Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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412. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the 12 children on the waiting list for scoliosis surgery who have had their cases and surgeries suspended; if his attention has been further drawn to the reason for the suspensions; the estimated timeframe for each suspension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30131/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The long-term strategy to develop sustainable scoliosis services from 2018 has been prioritised by the Department of Health and the HSE in the 2018 HSE National Service Plan. In this regard, €9 million of funding has been provided in 2018 to improve access to paediatric orthopaedic services including scoliosis.

The Children's Hospital Group advises that consultants clinically prioritise patients for surgery on the waiting list. The Hospital Group further advises that the reasons for suspension of surgery can vary and include clinical judgement and patient choice, e.g. due to exams etc. The Group also advises that plans have been put in place to increase activity during the summer months.

In relation to the current number of patients on the suspended waiting list, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.