Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
1498. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a proposal for a vote of no confidence in the CHI executive (details supplied); if he still has confidence in the executive as a result of the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56522/23]
View answerFirstly, I would like to acknowledge that recent concerns regarding the paediatric orthopaedic surgery service in Children’s Health Ireland is a cause of great anxiety for many patients and families attending these services.
A comprehensive patient safety review and assurance process has been commissioned into the paediatric orthopaedic surgery service. In addition, I have asked HIQA, the patient safety regulator, to carry out a review of the use of springs. Both the external review and the HIQA review are currently ongoing.
Secondly, I want to acknowledge that waiting lists for scoliosis and spina bifida services are unacceptably long. I am acutely conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
I have committed €19 million under the 2022 and 2023 Waiting List Action Plans to tackle these waiting lists. This investment has supported an increase in the number of spinal procedures undertaken in both 2022 and 2023, 509 and 464 respectively, compared to 380 in 2019. So, while waiting lists remain far too long, it is fair to acknowledge that there is an increase in the number of patients being treated. My Department and the HSE are working hard to make progress in this area including improvements to the organisation, management, and delivery of the services.
