James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Deputy for raising the ongoing issues with regard to delays in scoliosis surgeries and, in particular, for his mentioning of the very difficult situation which Leah is experiencing. As has been acknowledged, many patients, including children, who are waiting for scoliosis treatment are waiting for an unacceptably long time. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and in improved pathways to elective care, acute hospitals are still impacted by pent-up demand that arose as a result of the pandemic.

On 7 March the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, published the 2023 Waiting List Action Plan, which is the next stage of a new multi-annual approach to sustainably reduce and reform hospital waiting lists and build on the foundational work done through the short-term waiting list action plan between September and December 2021. This was followed by the first full year of the waiting list action plan for 2022, both having reversed the annual trend of rising waiting lists. The Government continues to invest funding to reduce the amount of time people are waiting for important hospital appointments and procedures.

In 2022, €350 million was allocated to the HSE and the NTPF to provide additional public and private activity to further stabilise and reduce scheduled care waiting and times in tandem with bringing forward much-needed longer term reforms. For 2023, this investment has increased to €363 million. Scoliosis and spina bifida are included as one of the priority areas for this funding. Through investment and reform, the Government is working to sustainably reduce and reform hospital waiting lists and waiting times that will deliver improved access to care for patients throughout the State.

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