Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2015
448. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the number of persons, who undergo scoliosis surgery to correct spinal curvatures each year; the number who are awaiting this surgery; the waiting periods involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40522/15]
View answerSpinal conditions, including scoliosis, in children and young people are predominantly managed at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC). It is acknowledged that the waiting times for spinal surgery services at Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin have been unsatisfactory. I am determined that waiting times for spinal services at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin must be addressed as a priority. Accordingly, additional funding was allocated in the HSE Service Plan for 2015 for the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist and support staff at Crumlin. This will maximise the use of available theatre sessions in the hospital. The first of these additional staff is now in post, and recruitment for the remaining posts is in process. In addition, capital funding has been provided for a new theatre on site at Crumlin, which will expand theatre capacity further, this development is already underway and due for completion in March 2016. As a further measure, available capacity has been identified in other hospitals and some children are being transferred for their surgery, where it is considered clinically appropriate for them.
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust (Stanmore) has also confirmed it has the capacity to carry out a number of scoliosis surgeries for Crumlin patients by end January 2016. A number of patients have been identified who may be suitable for transfer to Stanmore and Crumlin have made contact with the families.
The Children's Hospital Group, OLCHC and the HSE are working together on an ongoing basis to identify all options to increase capacity further to improve access times for surgery.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
