Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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915. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a child (details supplied); if he will seek to have the case expedited as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54205/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for scoliosis treatment, and I remain conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families.

Earlier this year I approved an ambitious plan from Children’s Health Ireland to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis/spina bifida) by the year end. More than €17 million of current and capital funding is being provided to implement the plan.

This funding will provide additional theatre access at Temple Street and Crumlin, diagnostic MRI capacity and enable further activity and paediatric theatre lists at Cappagh Hospital or Cappagh Kids. The funding also allowed for the recruitment of addition staff and while progress has been made, CHI advise that 33.2 WTE have been recruited, with recruitment for 43.4 WTE in process and recruitment to commence shortly for 15 WTE challenges in nursing staffing levels remain.

In relation to the particular case mentioned CHI advise that   plans are in place to stabilise the staffing situation and they plan to schedule her admission in the first quarter of 2023 when the ward has sufficient supports to nurse her safely.