Statement from Chairman of the Board of Children's Health Ireland, Dr Jim Browne

I have served since 2013 as Chair of the Children’s Hospital Group Board, and more recently as Chair of the CHI Board since its establishment in 2019.

Following discussions over recent weeks with the Department for Health, I now wish to step down and provide for an orderly transition to a new Chair to allow for renewed enthusiasm and passion to guide this great organisation.

I wish to convey my sincere apologies to the children, young people and families that have been failed by the care they received, following the release of the HIQA report today.

The HIQA review found that the use of the non-CE-marked springs as surgical implants was wrong and not authorised by management.

The HIQA also review found that while corporate and clinical governance arrangements were in place in Children's Health Ireland, there were unclear lines of reporting and accountability to ensure the safe introduction and use of new surgical implants and implantable medical devices.

HIQA acknowledged the work done by Children's Health Ireland to date, to implement measures for the ongoing care for children and families affected by this review.  

I wish to acknowledge and thank the staff of Children’s Health Ireland. My admiration for them remains steadfast – they continue to care diligently for over 200,000 children and young people every year, while working on the single biggest transformation of healthcare services in the history of this State.

I extend my deepest gratitude to our medical professionals, support staff, and administrative personnel for their tireless efforts and commitment to patients.

While we have faced significant challenges, it is also important to recognise the many positive developments that have taken place throughout the years.

We have seen advances in many areas of patient care; we continue to build the future of paediatric healthcare in anticipation of the new children’s hospital; and our staff across all Children’s Health Ireland sites have launched initiatives that will benefit patients for years to come.

These achievements are a testament to the collective efforts of the entire community, from our dedicated staff to generous supporters and partners.

I would also like to thank my colleagues on the Board of Children’s Health Ireland.

Their expertise, guidance and commitment to improving paediatric healthcare, whilst overseeing complex transformational change has been unwavering. It has been my privilege to Chair the Board and serve alongside them.

I will now work with the Department of Health, Children’s Health Ireland Executive team and Board to ensure a smooth transition to a new Chairperson over the coming weeks.

Is mise le meas,

Jim Browne