Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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31. To ask the Minister for Health what steps have been taken to address the patient waiting list in respect of scoliosis; the number of patients that have been facilitated to date in 2023; the number still awaiting treatment; when it is expected that their needs are likely to be met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40702/23]

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.

Scoliosis and Spina Bifida have been identified as priority areas in both the 2022 and 2023 Waiting List Action Plans.

Last year some €19 million of current and capital funding was committed to tackle these waiting lists. In 2022, 509 scoliosis procedures were carried out, compared to 380 for the same period in 2019 (the most recent comparable year given the COVID-19 pandemic). This represents a 34% increase and an increase of 47% compared to 2021.

Despite undertaking a substantial number of spinal procedures in 2022, corresponding reductions in the waiting list were offset by significant increases in demand and referrals compared to previous years, with a 30% increase in additions to the spinal surgery list compared to 2021.

This Government continues to invest significant funding to help clinicians reduce the amount of time children are waiting for important hospital appointments and procedures, with scoliosis and spina bifida again included as a priority area for funding under the 2023 Waiting List Action Plan.

Recognising the significant increase in demand, I have requested that the HSE explore all options to increase capacity for this vital service, including outsourcing care both at home and abroad.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.