Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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32. To ask the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to reduce the waiting lists for operations on children with scoliosis of the spine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20545/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Spinal conditions, including scoliosis, in children and young people are predominantly managed at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC).It is acknowledged that the waiting times for spinal surgery services at Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin are unsatisfactory and must be addressed as a priority. Accordingly, funding was allocated in the HSE Service Plan for 2015 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. The first of these additional staff is now in post, and recruitment for the remaining posts is in process. In addition, capital funding has been agreed for a new theatre on site at Crumlin, which will expand theatre capacity further. As a further measure, available capacity is being identified in other hospitals and some children are being transferred for their surgery, where it is considered clinically appropriate for them.

The Children's Hospital Group, OLCHC and the HSE are working together on an ongoing basis to identify all options to increase capacity further.