Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2023
392. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will establish a national referral pathway for children with scoliosis; if he will issue information to GPs outlining the service options for children with scoliosis, such as one (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30480/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraChildren's Health Ireland (CHI) has advised that a national referral mechanism exists between GPs and CHI. GPs can refer patients to specific named surgeons or into a general pool of surgeons either electronically or by a paper based system via health link. The appropriate triage of the referral is carried out by an Orthopaedic Consultant and a triage category assigned based on information provided and a review of x-rays/ imaging performed to date.
CHI is committed to improving communication with both GPs and patients' families with regard to the acknowledgment of receipt of their referral, a designated named Consultant that has triaged the letter, the triage category provided and an estimation of time to be reviewed.
With the transition to one orthopaedic team in a single site and a concentration of spine surgery service being provided there for children, this will effectively be a centralised referral pathway. Appropriate triage and communication is of vital importance and it is in these areas that CHI aims to concentrate its efforts presently.
