Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2018
454. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the reason recommendations made by the Ombudsman for Children contained in the report on scoliosis, Waiting For Scoliosis Treatment A Children's Rights Issue, have not been implemented to date, including the meeting of four month targets for scoliosis surgery in accordance with international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43706/18]
View answerThe development of a sustainable scoliosis service has been prioritised by my Department and the HSE in 2018. An additional €9 million was provided to the Children’s Hospital Group in 2018, to support the development and implementation of a sustainable and safe paediatric orthopaedic service for children and young people.
The Ombudsman for Children published their report, 'Waiting for Scoliosis Treatment; A Children's Rights Issue' in March 2017. In August 2018 the Ombudsman for Children published an update on their initial report which welcomed actions taken to generate improvements in scoliosis services, such as the increase in the number of surgeries that take place, fewer children waiting over 12 months for surgery, increased capacity, and additional resources. The Ombudsman has met with me and my Department, as well as other stakeholders, in relation to this matter, and consequently has stated that there is a clear and absolute commitment from all involved to address the matter of scoliosis in the best interest of the children.
While the most recent update welcomed the improvements in scoliosis services, the Ombudsman's August update also pressed for the need of continued action to address waiting lists for initial assessment, access to diagnostics, and increased treatment activity, and my Department continues to work with the Children's Hospital Group to ensure that these issues are addressed, that activity levels continue to increase, and that waiting lists are reduced.
The CHG advise that the investment in paediatric orthopaedics this year, which includes scoliosis services, has already improved access for surgery and outpatient review. By September 2018 there had been a reduction of 26% in the waiting times experienced to access surgery since the start of the year. This year the CHG aims to deliver 447 procedures, compared to 371 in 2017, and 224 in 2016.
