Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Collins for raising this matter. All Members are dealing with at least one or two cases of people with scoliosis who are encountering difficulties. Waiting times for scoliosis surgery are unacceptably long. There has been an increase in the number of outpatient spinal review referrals, and a consequent increase in surgical demands. Hence, waiting times both for outpatients and for those awaiting surgery are indeed challenging. The Government is determined that this problem will be addressed. The HSE is examining all options to reduce scoliosis and other waiting lists as soon as possible. It must be pointed out that Galway University Hospitals do not carry out paediatric scoliosis surgery. That type of surgery may only be carried out at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Cappagh hospitals and is predominantly managed at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. Approximately 5% of cases, predominantly those with neuromuscular disorders, will require post-operative access to a high dependency unit or paediatric intensive care unit. Surgery is provided through two full-day theatre sessions per week and ten specialist orthopaedic beds at Crumlin. Currently, there are two orthopaedic consultants jointly appointed between Crumlin and Tallaght hospitals to provide paediatric spinal surgery in Crumlin and paediatric, adolescent and adult spinal services at Tallaght hospital.

Saolta University Health Care Group has assured the Department of Health that the waiting list for spinal surgery is one of its main priorities. To facilitate the level of complexity involved in relation to spinal surgery for patients with scoliosis, access to inpatient beds, diagnostics, purchase of specialist spinal equipment and access to theatre for significant periods of time must be considered. When the key elements required are in place, potential surgery dates for this cohort of patients can be identified and scheduled accordingly. Funding has been allocated in the 2015 HSE service plan for the appointment of a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in spinal surgery at Galway University Hospitals. Funding has also been allocated for the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist and support staff at Crumlin. This will maximise the use of available theatre sessions in the hospital. These allocations are part of a total of approximately €5 million available for the overall development of orthopaedic service infrastructure nationally in 2015. This funding will also allow for the development of a 24-7 spinal theatre and allocation of consultant anaesthetist and additional 5.5 nurse posts at the Mater hospital, the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon to provide for up to 100 cases of degenerative spinal surgery a year to be undertaken in Tallaght hospital, the appointment of a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in paediatrics in Cork, the opening of current closed and under-utilised capacity at Cappagh hospital, and the appointment of an additional orthopaedic consultant as part of improved services for paediatric spina bifida.

The Department will continue to work with the Health Service Executive to ensure service needs and waiting times in this area are addressed, having regard to the overall level of resources available to the HSE.

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