Róisín Shortall
Ceist:2070. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting scoliosis operations, by time on list and by hospital; and the steps he is taking to address this. [44279/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 September 2022
Ceisteanna (2070)
Freagraí scríofa
Improving access to paediatric orthopaedic services for children, including for children and young people with Spina Bifida, remains a commitment of Government. Paediatric orthopaedics is a priority area within the 2022 Waiting List Action Plan. €17.43 million has been provided this year to support additional activity to reduce waiting times for orthopaedic patients across CHI and Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital. Additional activity has been undertaken to date. By the end of August 2022 166 spinal fusions had taken place across CHI Crumlin, CHI Temple Street, and Cappagh. This is in comparison to the same period last year where 119 procedures had taken place. The Department of Health continues to monitor waiting lists for paediatric orthopaedic procedures and meets with the HSE weekly as part of the Waiting List Action Plan 2022 working group meetings.
In relation to the number of children awaiting scoliosis operations by hospital, as this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.