'I've seen children die' - Late Late Show viewers heartbroken by parents of Harvey Morrison

The parents of Harvey Morrison Sherratt appeared on Friday night's Late Late Show to discuss the tragic death of their nine-year-old son in July after waiting years for scoliosis surgery, prompting an emotional response online.

Gillian Sherratt and Stephen Morrison spoke to Patrick Kielty on Friday night's show to continue their campaign for a statutory public inquiry into orthopaedic services for children at Children’s Health Ireland.

Harvey, who Stephen described as their "everything" on last night's show, had multiple health issues, including spina bifida and severe scoliosis. Stephen told Patrick that Harvey was just one-years-old when they were told that his scoliosis was going to be "life or death."

After years of waiting for critical scoliosis surgery, and even being removed from the list at one point for reasons unknown to Gillian and Stephen, Harvey passed away in July at the age of nine-years-old.

Stephen said what his family experienced is "nothing a family should ever have to go through."

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Harvey's mother, Gillian, said that children across the country in need of such healthcare are "being neglected." She even added: "I've seen children die."

In regards to their campaign, Stephen said: "We're looking for an independent statutory public inquiry into what happened at CHI because what we've seen so far is non-medical grade devices stuck into children, we've seen €19 million misspent, HIQA reports. We've had 12 reports into CHI, even in one of them calling children with spina bifida 'medical orphans'. That should concern people around the country."

On meeting Simon Harris earlier this month, Gillian said it was "a bit too little too late." Since Harvey's death, many have called for the resignation of Simon Harris, who in 2017 when he was Minister for Health, said no child would have to wait longer than four months for spinal surgery.

She said: "He was incredibly apologetic but as far as I'm concerned an apology doesn't help these children."

The interview has prompted a huge response online, with viewers devasted for Gillian and Stephen's family.

One person wrote: "Such a heartbreaking but compassionate interview with Gillian Sherratt and Stephen Morrison."

Another shared: "My heart is broken for you both. I never watch the late late show but I did tonight for you. I really hope you get justice for Harvey."

Others were outraged by the situation parents like Gillian and Stephen have been forced into, criticising the current system with waiting lists.

One viewer commented: "So sad watching these two parents. It’s a disgrace how their child was treated and it’s still happening to other children. Why are these children being ignored and left to languish on waiting lists? Our government and the HSE have a lot to answer for."