Barrister Mark Connaughton SC is to chair a taskforce being set up by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly (pictured) to examine the improvement and development of paediatric spinal services.

The barrister, who was appointed senior counsel in 2002, has extensive experience in civil litigation and mediation.

The Department of Health said that the terms of reference for the taskforce were currently being drafted, adding that all stakeholders had been invited to contribute to this process.

‘Highest standards of care’

"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,” said Minister Donnelly.

The establishment of the taskforce comes amid concerns about the long waiting lists for children needing spinal surgery.