Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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. Some €19 million of current and capital funding was committed to implement the plan.

The funding is to provide additional activity targeted at reducing the number of children waiting long times for orthopaedic procedures (including scoliosis and spina bifida).

The funding has resulted in additional activity and a reduction in long waiters.

As of the 28^thof October, 452 scoliosis procedures had been carried out, compared to 320 for the same period in 2019, a 41% increase and an increase of 55% compared to 2021.

Also at the 28^thof October there were 54 patients waiting over 4 months for a spinal fusion compared to 65 in January, a 17% reduction. In the same period there has been a 41% reduction in patients waiting over 4 months for other spinal procedures.

In relation to the specific items in the plan, 11 of the additional beds in Crumlin and Temple Street are open, with the remaining 13 due to open in Q1 2023 and the additional critical care capacity is also open. Recruitment is underway for the expanded theatre capacity and the MRI.

Regarding capital, the MRI and the additional beds in Crumlin are due to open in Q1 2023 and the 5th theatre in Temple Street in Q2 2023. The outsourcing initiative is operating well, with 33 spinal fusions outsourced to date.

Finally in relation to Cappagh, as of the 20^thof October Cappagh has completed an additional 448 non-complex orthopaedic surgeries and 60 surgeries for Spina Bifida patients transferred from CHI.