Children’s health boss Lucy Nugent ‘tone deaf’ for criticising leaks

Lucy Nugent, the new chief executive of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), has sent a memo to her staff to say it is “dispiriting when internal matters are leaked to the media” as was the case with a 2021 report.

That study had outlined a litany of wrongdoings, malpractice, cover-ups and disregard for the treatment of ill children. The details were first revealed by The Sunday Times last month.

Nugent, who became chief executive in January this year, sent her memo on June 6.

She urged staff with any concerns about CHI to speak up through the appropriate channels.

CHI is about to publish a summary outlining the recommendations made and actions taken after the 2021 internal report.

In the memo Nugent promised that no one would be identified. “I want to be clear here. There will be no identifiable elements in this summary,” she said.

“I have been very clear that the process of internal reports and audit are essential to identifying issues and improving care, and it is imperative that our staff feel safe to take part in these processes.”

CHI has yet to publish the report after an intervention from the Department of Health advising the child healthcare provider not to publish a redacted version of the report because it could be accused of a whitewash.

Nugent is due to appear before the Oireachtas health committee this week to answer questions on the controversy which continues to engulf CHI.

The committee wants to speak to Eilish Hardiman, who was in charge of the hospital group when the 2021 report was completed.

Hardiman has declined to respond to questions about her handling of the report, which the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), Department of Health and the HSE claim was not brought to their attention.

The Oireachtas health committee wants to speak to CHI’s former chief executive Eilish Hardiman

BRIAN LAWLESS/PA

David Cullinane, a Sinn Fein TD who sits on the health committee, said that Nugent’s memo was “tone deaf” given CHI’s supression of the 2021 report, which outlined the unacceptable care provided to children.

“I will be seeking to establish who knew about this report, what action the executive promised to take and if these actions were followed through,” he said

“CHI must also explain whether or not it has contacted the families of children who were let down and didn’t receive proper care.”

The Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General is examining CHI’s accounts in light of concerns. Garda Headquarters has also started a criminal investigation into a consultant ran weekend clinics funded by the NTPF, earning €35,800, in breach of guidelines.

CHI declined to answer specific questions but said action was taken on receipt of the examination report.