Press release
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announces Independent Chairperson of Paediatric Spinal Taskforce
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has today announced the establishment of the Paediatric Spinal Taskforce and the appointment of Mark Connaughton SC as the Independent Chair.
This multi-stakeholder Taskforce is being established to drive improvements and enable all stakeholders to contribute to the improvement and development of our paediatric spinal services.
The range of stakeholders represented on this Taskforce will bring their own expertise, experience and perspectives and this important collaborative effort will provide a whole of system approach to progressing this significant area of work.
Terms of reference are currently being drafted and all stakeholders have been invited to provide input to this important process.
Minister Donnelly said:
"There has been much work done to support the delivery of services and care to children across the paediatric spinal service. The establishment of this multi-stakeholder Taskforce is an important next step at this juncture.
"This Taskforce provides all the key stakeholders the opportunity to come together and work collaboratively to ensure the children who access this service are provided with the highest standards of care and facilities and make long-lasting improvements to these services and the lives of these children.
"I am pleased that Mark Connaughton SC has agreed to be the Independent Chair for this important work. Mark brings a considerable wealth of experience to his role as Chair, and I am confident that, with his experience and expertise, he will be an ideal person to steer this important work."
Mark Connaughton SC said:
"I am delighted to accept Minister Donnelly’s invitation to chair the Paediatric Spinal Taskforce. It is clear to me that there is a strong desire amongst all the stakeholders for this Taskforce to have a positive impact. I look forward to working with all concerned and making my contribution."
Mark Connaughton SC has been in practice since 1990 and was appointed senior counsel in 2002. He has extensive experience in civil litigation and mediation. Mark is a CEDR (Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution) accredited mediator.