Ireland’s Hip Dysplasia Surgery Scandal: What Irish Parents Need to Know
Unnecessary Hip Dysplasia Surgeries on Children in Ireland: What Parents Need to Know and How to Seek Justice
Imagine being told your child needs surgery, trusting the specialists, going through the stress, the hospital visits, the recovery and then learning that surgery might not have been necessary at all.
That’s the painful reality now facing hundreds of families in Ireland, after a shocking audit revealed that many children may have undergone unjustified hip surgeries at two major hospitals between 2021 and 2023.
If your child was treated for hip dysplasia at Temple Street or Cappagh Hospital, this news may be deeply unsettling. You are not alone and you may have legal options.
What Happened: A Closer Look at the Hip Dysplasia Surgery Scandal
An internal review found that:
- At Cappagh Hospital, 79% of surgeries reviewed did not meet the clinical criteria.
- At Temple Street, the figure was 60%.
- Over 1,800 children are now being contacted for medical reviews.
Many of these procedures involved osteotomies, surgeries where the bones of the hip are cut and realigned. These are major operations—ones that should only be carried out when absolutely necessary.
The Impact on Families: Real Lives, Real Consequences
As a parent, you place immense trust in medical professionals. To now learn that your child may have endured pain, fear, and physical trauma unnecessarily is devastating.
We’ve spoken with families who are:
- Questioning whether they were fully informed
- Wondering if their child now faces long-term complications
- Struggling emotionally, mentally, and financially
You deserve answers. And more importantly—you may deserve justice.
What Is Medical Negligence?
Medical negligence happens when a healthcare provider fails in their duty of care and causes harm to a patient. In cases like this, it can include:
- Performing surgeries that weren’t medically necessary
- Failing to follow proper diagnostic guidelines
- Not securing informed consent from parents
- Causing long-term damage due to poor judgment
If any of these apply to your child’s situation, you may have the right to claim compensation.
What Can You Do as a Parent?
If your child had surgery for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) between 2021 and 2023, you may be eligible to:
- Request a full review of your child’s medical records
- Get an independent medical opinion
- Explore a medical negligence claim with a specialist solicitor
You don’t have to take this on alone. Our legal team is here to support you every step of the way.
Why Act Now?
In Ireland, there are strict time limits for taking legal action in medical negligence cases—especially those involving children. While exceptions exist, the sooner you seek legal advice, the stronger your case may be.
Even if you’re unsure whether negligence occurred, we can help you investigate it thoroughly.
How We Can Help You
At Sweeney Solicitors, we specialise in Medical Negligence and Child Injury Claims. We understand the sensitivity and emotional weight of these cases, and we’re here to listen, support, and take action on your behalf.
What You Can Expect:
✅ Free, no-obligation consultation
✅ Clear, compassionate legal advice
✅ Expertise in child injury and medical negligence claims
Take the First Step Toward Justice
You didn’t choose this situation—but you can choose how to respond. Let us help you make sense of what’s happened, and explore your legal rights with confidence.
📞 Call us now on Freephone 1800 246 442
📩 Email us at david@sweeneysolicitors.ie
💬 Click here to book a free consultation
You Are Not Alone
This scandal has shaken families and communities across the country. But through accountability, there can be healing. If your child was affected, we urge you to reach out.
We’ll listen. We’ll guide you. And we’ll fight for the justice your family deserves.
