Vol. 407 No. 1
272 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his views on a circular letter from a school (details supplied) in Dublin 4 regarding a child suffering from scoliosis and requiring expensive hospital treatment; if he can provide assistance in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have personally investigated the circumstances of this case and the position is that the person referred to by the Deputy was last seen as an out-patient at Cappagh Hospital on 28 January 1991 and is scheduled for another appointment next month.
I do not consider it appropriate for me to comment on the clinical details of an individual patient. I understand from the hospital that scoliosis operations are undertaken at a time when the patient has the optimum chance of having the curvature of the spine reduced and that the consultant's decision on the timing of the operation has nothing whatsoever to do with a waiting list and a bed will be available at the opportune time. This decision is a clinical one, taken by the consultant concerned and the Deputy will appreciate that it is not a matter in which I have any involvement.
