Hospital Procedures

Thursday, 18 January 2024

Questions (37)

David Cullinane

Question:

37. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the completion of the independent review relating to the spina bifida programme at Temple St Hospital; if the review will include an analysis of the particular surgeon's practice at National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh as well as complex paediatric orthopaedic surgeries and the performance of relevant specialists across Children's Health Ireland sites to provide comparable data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2056/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

The first phase of the independent external review of the Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery Service is due to be completed by the end of January 2024.

The Independent External Reviewer finalised the terms of reference of the review in November 2023. The Independent External Reviewer will determine the methodologies for the approach to be taken in order to achieve the objectives set out in the terms of reference. It is my understanding that the review will include practice at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh, along with other relevant sites such as CHI Temple Street and CHI Crumlin.

As the review is independent, it would be inappropriate to comment any further on the approach the external reviewer will take. I await the outcome of the independent external review.