Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
1007. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the number of children with scoliosis on the operation waiting list by hospital; the number of those who have complex needs; the average waiting times for those children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54558/22]
View answerReducing waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures remains a commitment of this Government. Earlier this year I approved an ambitious plan for Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis and spina bifida) by year end. Both current and capital funding totalling €17.43 million was approved for this initiative.
The funding has impacted on waiting times with a 44% reduction in those waiting over 12 months for a spinal fusion and a 24% reduction in those waiting over 4 months.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
