Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

167. To ask the Minister for Health the actions he will take to ensure timely access to MRIs in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin for persons with scoliosis in view of the fact that 18 month to two year waits are putting children at huge risk of injury, deformity and lifelong health complications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29410/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

168. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to safeguard children with scoliosis waiting for halo traction treatment in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin; the way in which he will ensure that no child will be left deteriorate on a wait list for halo traction; the actions which will be taken to ensure all children awaiting halo traction in the hospital will have immediate access to care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29411/17]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

170. To ask the Minister for Health the way in which he plans the four month target is to be met by year end; if he will commit to his pledge that no child will have to wait longer than four months for scoliosis surgery by year end 2017 once a clinical decision is made by the treating consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29414/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 170 together.

In order to reduce the long waiting times for scoliosis surgery for children and young people, I asked the HSE to develop an Action Plan for 2017. The HSE Scoliosis Waiting List Update and Service Development Plan has been finalised and details of it are available on the HSE website. The Plan aims to ensure that no patient who requires spinal fusion or other scoliosis procedures, including halo traction, will be waiting more than four months for surgery by the end of the year, where that is appropriate clinically. The HSE has advised the Department that every patient, including children under the age of 14, who needs to be treated in 2017, has been considered and is included in the overall plan for scoliosis services.

The Plan includes measures to increase capacity in the children's hospitals as well as proposals to outsource some spinal procedures to other hospitals nationally and internationally. The Children's Hospital Group is monitoring progress made and is reporting to the Department on a weekly basis.

While the Plan endeavours to deliver on short to medium term reduction in the waiting lists, in tandem the HSE is working to develop a long-term sustainable solution for scoliosis and paediatric orthopaedic cases. The numbers of patients on each of the waiting list categories is being taken into account in planning the future service requirements.