Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
279. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which provision is being made for patients in need of scoliosis treatment in the current year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40917/23]
View answer280. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the proposals to reduce waiting lists for patients expecting scoliosis treatment in the shorter term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40918/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 279 and 280 together.
I sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for scoliosis treatment, and I remain conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families.
Scoliosis and Spina Bifida have been identified as priority areas in both the 2022 and 2023 Waiting List Action Plans.
Last year some €19 million of current and capital funding was committed to tackle these waiting lists. In 2022, 509 scoliosis procedures were carried out, compared to 380 for the same period in 2019 (the most recent comparable year given the COVID-19 pandemic). This represents a 34% increase and an increase of 47% compared to 2021.
Despite undertaking a substantial number of spinal procedures in 2022, corresponding reductions in the waiting list were offset by significant increases in demand and referrals compared to previous years, with a 30% increase in additions to the spinal surgery list compared to 2021.
This Government continues to invest significant funding to help clinicians reduce the amount of time children are waiting for important hospital appointments and procedures, with scoliosis and spina bifida again included as a priority area for funding under the 2023 Waiting List Action Plan. Under this plan over 290 spinal procedures have been completed by the end of August this year.
Recognising the significant increase in demand, I have requested that the HSE explore all options to increase capacity for this vital service, including outsourcing care both at home and abroad.
