Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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528. To ask the Minister for Health the number of scoliosis surgeries relating to children carried out in 2020; and the way in which this compares with 2018 and 2019, in tabular form. [13459/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Improving access to scoliosis services is a key commitment of government. In recent years there has been increased investment in paediatric orthopaedics and scoliosis services, which has improved access to surgery and outpatient appointments. In 2018 Children’s Health Ireland (CHI; previously the Children’s Hospital Group) was provided with an additional €9 million in funding to address paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists, including the provision of scoliosis services. As a result of this additional funding since 2018, CHI advise that there have been many improvements in paediatric scoliosis services, with increased activity and improved waiting times to access appointments and procedures.  

CHI advises that it continues to develop sustainable solutions to reduce waiting times for children attending its orthopaedic and scoliosis services. The additional investment from the HSE in recent years and the implementation of the Scoliosis 10 Point Action Plan has increased orthopaedic activity levels across CHI. My Department continues to engage with both CHI and the HSE in relation to paediatric scoliosis services.  

In relation to the particular queries raised and the specific breakdown of information requested, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. 

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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529. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for scoliosis surgery; and the length of time they have been waiting for surgery by 3, 6, 12, 15, 18, 24, 32 and more than 48 months in tabular form. [13460/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Improving access to scoliosis services is a key commitment of government. In recent years there has been increased investment in paediatric orthopaedics and scoliosis services, which has improved access to surgery and outpatient appointments. In 2018 Children’s Health Ireland (CHI; previously the Children’s Hospital Group) was provided with an additional €9 million in funding to address paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists, including the provision of scoliosis services. As a result of this additional funding since 2018, CHI advise that there have been many improvements in paediatric scoliosis services, with increased activity and improved waiting times to access appointments and procedures.  

CHI advises that it continues to develop sustainable solutions to reduce waiting times for children attending its orthopaedic and scoliosis services. The additional investment from the HSE in recent years and the implementation of the Scoliosis 10 Point Action Plan has increased orthopaedic activity levels across CHI. My Department continues to engage with both CHI and the HSE in relation to paediatric scoliosis services.  

In relation to the particular queries raised and the specific breakdown of information requested, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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530. To ask the Minister for Health the plan being put in place to ensure that children with scoliosis will have access to surgery and care over the course of 2020 to ensure children have access to timely scoliosis care; if a plan has been put in place for children with scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13461/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Improving access to scoliosis services is a key commitment of government. In recent years there has been increased investment in paediatric orthopaedics and scoliosis services, which has improved access to surgery and outpatient appointments. In 2018 Children’s Health Ireland (CHI; previously the Children’s Hospital Group) was provided with an additional €9 million in funding to address paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists, including the provision of scoliosis services. As a result of this additional funding since 2018, CHI advise that there have been many improvements in paediatric scoliosis services, with increased activity and improved waiting times to access appointments and procedures.  

CHI advises that it continues to develop sustainable solutions to reduce waiting times for children attending its orthopaedic and scoliosis services. The additional investment from the HSE in recent years and the implementation of the Scoliosis 10 Point Action Plan has increased orthopaedic activity levels across CHI. My Department continues to engage with both CHI and the HSE in relation to paediatric scoliosis services.  

In relation to the particular queries raised and the specific breakdown of information requested, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.