Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for giving me the opportunity to raise this important case. It concerns a young boy in my constituency. He is 14 years of age and he needs a serious operation to control severe scoliosis of his spine, which has been described as potentially life-threatening because the curvature in his spine is now affecting his lungs and his heart.

Last December, the consultant in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin decided that this boy would need this operation but he has been unable to give the parents, and the young boy, a date on which it can be carried out. This boy's life could be at risk from something as simple as a chest infection from a cold or flu, and the severe pain he is enduring on a daily basis is causing untold anxiety, worry and heartache for his parents who are watching him in distress. They are looking at his condition deteriorate in front of their eyes. They are helpless in getting a solution for him.

Last week they had a return visit and the consultant said that from an initial assessment this boy's condition had worsened since the examination last December but he was unable to give a commitment for the surgery. I have contacted Crumlin hospital and the consultant has said the reason for the delay is due to the closure of St. Joseph's Ward, where there is severe limitation on the orthopaedic beds that will be required to aid this boy's recovery from surgery. This is a difficult position for the consultant and for his staff. There are other children who are deteriorating and have to be progressed more urgently, and their needs are being addressed.

There is also a limit on the number of patients who can be treated because they have to be put on a traction bed in St. Brigid's Ward after the surgery. There are currently two such beds. One consultant operates one and the other, who is the consultant dealing with the child in my constituency, has the other. There is severe limitation on bed space, and that is adding to the difficulties.

I would like the Minister to indicate what can be done for the boy in this case. Is it possible to get the procedure done outside the country under the National Treatment Purchase Fund? This boy has been on the waiting list for quite some time. His health is deteriorating. He is in constant pain. A cold or flu could be potentially life-threatening for him. I find it heartbreaking to deal with the parents who continue to get the same reply that nothing can be done due to cutbacks. The facilities and the services are not available for him and he is deteriorating on a daily basis in front of his parents' eyes. That is causing huge concern and distress, and I share their helplessness and frustration. They are intent on doing something for their child to improve his quality of life.

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