Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2018
455. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the safeguarding of children in the HSE in regard to their elective spinal surgeries; the way in which he plans to ensure that a lack of capacity and beds over the winter months will not lead to cancelled surgeries for children that are on a list for spinal surgery in the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43707/18]
View answerThe long-term strategy to develop sustainable scoliosis services from 2018 has been prioritised by the Department and the HSE. The Children's Hospital Group, with the additional €9 million provided to the HSE in 2018, has continued to progress the move toward the implementation of a long-term sustainable and safe paediatric orthopaedic service, including scoliosis services for children and young people.
In terms of capacity, Children's Hospital Group (CHG) aims to deliver 446 procedures this year, compared to 371 in 2017, and 224 in 2016. This represents an increase in activity of 99.5% since 2016.
In relation to the safeguarding of beds for elective spinal surgeries for scoliosis patients, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond the Deputy directly.
