Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I acknowledge that waiting lists for scoliosis and spina bifida services are unacceptably long. I am acutely conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.

I committed €19 million to children’s orthopaedics to tackle these waiting lists. This investment has led to the hiring of more than 200 healthcare professionals in Crumlin, Temple Street, and Cappagh. This includes nurses, consultants, anaesthesiologists, and radiographers. This investment has also funded a 5th operating theatre in Temple Street, a second MRI in Crumlin, and additional beds.

This has supported a significant increase in the number of spinal procedures carried out in 2022 and 2023, compared to 2019. While waiting lists remain too long it is important to acknowledge that our healthcare workers have delivered an increase in the number of procedures being carried out.

At my request, a dedicated Paediatric Spinal Surgery Management Unit has been established in Children’s Health Ireland. I recently allocated further funding of €1.34 million following a request from the clinical lead of the Unit, for additional staff, outpatient clinics, and MRI capacity.

I have also convened a dedicated stakeholder Paediatric Spinal Taskforce to collaboratively address concerns raised by families and advocacy groups.

I have asked, and expect the HSE and CHI to explore all options to increase capacity for this vital service, including international outsourcing, to reduce the waiting lists and ensure improved access for patients.