Crowd assembles in Dublin in memory of Harvey Morrison Sherratt
In the heart of Dublin city centre, a rally was held recently, organised by Access for All Ireland, to highlight the prolonged waiting lists for children with complex health issues, including scoliosis. The event was attended by various political figures, including Sinn Feín's Mary Lou McDonald, People Before Profit's Paul Murphy, and Aontú's Peadar Tobin.
The tragic death of Harvey Morrison Sherratt, a nine-year-old child with complex health conditions including spina bifida and scoliosis, has become a catalyst for change. Harvey spent almost three years on waiting lists for life-changing spinal surgery before his operation last December. However, he passed away on July 29th after taking a turn.
Speakers at the rally expressed their horror at the situation, with Ms McDonald stating, "It is unacceptable that children could still be made to suffer on long waiting lists in a wealthy society, in a first-world society." She called for a "substantive radical shift" in how children are treated in the public health system.
Mr Tobin criticised the management of Children's Health Ireland (CHI), suggesting it should be closed down and its management sent packing. He highlighted systemic failings over many years in the healthcare system.
The Fine Gael leader, Simon Harris, was called upon to be held accountable for promises made in 2017 that no child would wait more than four months for surgery. Sinn Feín has pledged to hold Mr Harris and the Government accountable for their alleged callous disregard for Harvey.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) was also criticised at the demonstration for systematic and repeated failures, leading to calls for its dissolution and replacement by a new organisation focused on better upholding rights and addressing issues such as covert policing and reforms in law enforcement practices.
Rachel Martin of Families United for Services and Support (Fuss) emphasised the need for accountability, specifically regarding Mr Harris's failure to meet a commitment made in 2017 about children's waiting lists. She stated, "A young life was lost. [Harvey] should still be here."
Bernard Mulvany, an organiser of the rally, expressed, "We need compassion and we need people to listen. I do not believe the people don't care but somewhere along the way someone has allowed our children to be forgotten."
Ms McDonald pledged that when the Dáil resumes next month, "Harvey's name will be heard." The family of Harvey Morrison Sherratt plans to meet with Simon Harris after the event.
The rally was a poignant reminder of the urgent need for change in Ireland's healthcare system, with protesters demanding an end to the suffering of children on waiting lists for years for life-changing treatments.
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