Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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340. To ask the Minister for Health the number of adults and children waiting for scoliosis surgery; the number of scoliosis surgeries that have been completed in University Hospital Galway to date in 2019. [41680/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE has advised my Department that there is an agreed clinical pathway in place for Paediatric scoliosis patients between Galway University Hospital (GUH) and Children's Health Ireland (CHI). In addition, for patients over 16 years of age there is also a pathway in place to access services at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (MMUH).

Saolta Hospital Group has advised that there are currently 7 patients awaiting scoliosis surgery at Galway University Hospitals (GUH). Due to the small volume of patients waiting, to preserve patient confidentiality, a further breakdown of patients by adult/child cannot be provided. Saolta has further advised that to date in 2019, no scoliosis surgeries have taken place in Galway University Hospitals.

Saolta Hospital Group has further advised that Paediatric scoliosis patients are to be referred to CHI at Crumlin, and that they are working on treatment plans for adults who are currently awaiting scoliosis surgery at GUH.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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342. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age waiting on scoliosis surgery at the Mater Hospital; and the length of time they have been waiting [41682/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The 2018 investment in paediatric orthopaedics included funding to support the transition of adolescents with scoliosis from Children's Health Ireland (CHI) at Crumlin and Temple Street to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital (MMUH). There are now agreed clinical pathways in place for the transition of adolescents (aged 16 years and over) waiting for a first time OPD/spinal review appointment. CHI have advised that at the beginning of September 2019, 17 patients have beensuccessfully transitioned to theMMUH from CHI at Crumlin OPD waiting list.

In relation to the number of children under 18 years of age waiting for scoliosis surgery at the Mater Hospital, the HSE has advised that the number is less than 5 and as a result, to preserve patient confidentiality, the specific number of patients and length of time waiting cannot be provided.