The irish sun
DemandS Urgent Medical Care Transforming Lives and Policy
THE IRISH SUN'S 'KID'S CAN'T WAIT' CAMPAIGN has brought the plight of over 106,000 children on Ireland's hospital waiting lists to the forefront, securing key victories and pushing for systemic reform. From front-page stories to legislative debates, investigative exposes, and tangible changes, this campaign has been a relentless force in advocating for timely medical treatments and government accountability.
“We are calling for children’s orthopaedic and urology surgery waiting lists to be cut and for no child to be left waiting over four months for an operation.”
Campaign TImeline
Campaign OUTCOMES
CAN'T
Campaign
2025
The Irish Sun’s "Kids Can’t Wait" campaign has been an unyielding beacon of advocacy for the thousands of children suffering on Ireland’s hospital waiting lists. With over 106,000 children awaiting various treatments and 288 in need of life-changing spinal surgeries, the campaign aims to spotlight the State's failures and push for immediate government action. This campaign has not only highlighted the critical conditions of these children but has also given a voice to their families, demanding timely medical intervention and systemic reform.
Misspent Youth – Stephen Donnelly tells Seanad of concern that €19 million for scoliosis was misspent by CHI.
Analla Faye O’Sullivan’s family tell of their fears as their daughter continues to wait for surgery.
The Irish Sun exposes panic talks within CHI and the Department of Health to try and end the nightmare waits for surgeries.
Harvey Sherratt Morrison’s parents tell of their fury at their son being removed from the surgery list without their knowledge – our interview leads to heated Dail debates.
The CEO of CHI Fiona Murphy resigns after less than a year in charge.
Daniel Collins’ family express their fear for their son as he continues to wait for surgery.
Mikey Henry Benson’s family tell of their heartbreak after their son has become inoperable as he waited so long for surgery.
New Health Minister Jennifer Carroll McNeill backs the new look CHI Board and Executive.
OUR MISSION
Irish Journalism Awards Campaigning Journalism Entry 2025
Kids
WAIT
The plight of these children has gained national attention. Spearheaded by Senator Tom Clonan, who calls this "The Scandal of our Age" the campaign has held our political leaders to account. When then Taoiseach Leo Varadkar admitted that the health service is failing these kids, our campaign swung into action, calling on the Government to clear the backlog of operations and offer these children a chance at living a normal life.
JULY 2024
AUGUST
Our Kid's Can't Wait Campaign continues
Liam Dennehy Quinn tells of joy at finally getting his surgery
In a bombshell interview with the Irish Sun, Minister Donnelly says he has lost confidence in CHI’s €19m scoliosis plan and refuses to express confidence in the Board.
Harvey Sherratt Morrison’s parents tell of their fears that they will lose their son if he does not get his surgery.
Families on the waiting list go to the Dail where young Tommy Long makes a passionate plea to politicians to end this nightmare.
Simon Harris makes an
important promise to families"No Kids will wait"
Harvey Sherratt Morrison’s parents tell of their joy as their son finally got his surgery in the run up to Christmas.
Head of CHI Board Dr Jim Browne resigns following the scoliosis surgery springs scandal.
CHI’s new boss apologises in the Dail for their failures amid heavy criticism from TDs and Senators.
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15
family
stories
told
1K+
signatures
of support
12
Dail and Seanad debates
18 children sent over seas for surgeries with more planned
Children sent abroad for surgeries
Number of spinal surgeries carried out in Ireland rising
Millions more in funding allocated to spinal unit including recruitment of new staff and surgeon
New CHI CEO and new look Board
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november
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DECEMBER
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MAY
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