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.

Last 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 enabling 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).

As of the 30th of December 2022, 509 scoliosis procedures had been carried out, compared to 380 for the same period in 2019 a 34% increase and an increase of 47% compared to 2021.

Children’s Health Ireland and Cappagh Kids continue to work to explore new innovative ways of working and develop initiatives to support additional orthopaedic and scoliosis activity.

The hospitals are working together to do as much as possible for patients. As of the 30th of December, Cappagh completed 549 (non-complex) orthopaedic surgeries and 68 surgeries for Spina Bifida patients transferred from CHI exceeding the target of 61 for the year.

Despite undertaking a record number of spinal procedures in 2022 corresponding reductions in the waiting list were offset by significant increase in demand and referrals compared to previous years with a 30% increase in additions to the spinal surgery list compared to 2021. CHI believes this is due to a loss of additional capacity elsewhere and latent Covid-19 demand via increased outpatient activity.

CHI remains committed to reaching its target of having no child that is clinically suitable waiting more than 4 months for treatment, although it is faced with considerable challenges including nursing staff shortages, and the impact of increased referrals during 2022.