Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal, Labour)
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18. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the waiting lists for orthopaedic and urology surgeries for disabilities which become more painful and inoperable over time; the actions that he is taking to reduce these lists; and if he has met with an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61095/22]

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

Children’s Health Ireland is aware that there are vulnerable children with Spina Bifida amongst those waiting unacceptably long times for orthopaedic and other surgery and of the anguish and distress that this is causing.

At the end of October there were 803 patients on CHI's paediatric orthopaedic inpatient day case waiting list. This represents a year to date reduction of 33%. There are 330 patients on the corresponding urology waiting list which represents 12% reduction year to date.

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.

This funding is providing 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 additional activity is targeted at reducing the number of children waiting long periods for orthopaedic procedures (including scoliosis and spina bifida).

For 2023, funding of €443 million is being allocated to tackle Waiting Lists. This includes €123 million in recurrent funding, including priority areas such as Spina Bifida and Scoliosis.

I met with representatives of the group mentioned in February this year where we had a productive meeting.