Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 1 June 2023
35. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that 309 children are waiting for scoliosis-related surgery and that just 12 spinal fusions have been completed to date in 2023 in Temple Street and Cappagh hospitals, a third of the number completed in the same period in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26575/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI regret that children can experience a long waiting time for scoliosis treatment and remain conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families.
Last year I approved an ambitious plan from Children’s Health Ireland to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis/spina bifida) by the year end. Some €19 million of current and capital funding was committed to implement the plan.
This funding is providing additional theatre access at Temple Street and Crumlin, diagnostic MRI capacity and enabling further activity and paediatric theatre lists at Cappagh Hospital or Cappagh Kids.
As of the 30th of December, 509 scoliosis procedures had been carried out, compared to 380 for the same period in 2019 a 34% increase and an increase of 47% compared to 2021.
The National Orthopaedic Hospital in Cappagh completed 549 (non-complex) orthopaedic surgeries and 68 surgeries for Spina Bifida patients transferred from CHI exceeding the target of 61 for the year.
Despite undertaking a record number of spinal procedures in 2022 corresponding reductions in the waiting list were offset by significant increase in demand and referrals compared to previous years with a 30% increase in additions to the spinal surgery list compared to 2021. In addition, due to an unprecedented increase in demand through ED’s and Urgent Care Centres and the resulting pressure on its hospitals capacity, CHI had to reduce planned elective and routine inpatient admissions over the winter period.
A new Scoliosis / Spina Bifida Plan is expected to be finalised shortly to continue and build on the work done in 2022 and as of the 28th of April CHI and Cappagh had completed 151 spinal procedures.
