Firstly, 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 funding has supported the recruitment of an additional 204 health care professionals across Temple Street, Crumlin, and Cappagh, and significant capacity improvements including a 5th theatre in Temple Street, an additional MRI in Crumlin, and additional beds.
This investment has supported an increase in the number of spinal procedures undertaken in both 2022 and 2023, with 509 and 464 procedures carried out respectively, compared to 380 in 2019.
Progress is being made on the waiting lists for spinal procedures, despite the significant increase in demands and referrals compared to previous years. At the end of December 2023 there were 231 children on the waiting for spinal procedures (excluding suspensions), which is a 5% reduction compared to the end of 2022, and 78 active patients waiting over 4 months, which is a 13% reduction compared to the end of 2022.
The dedicated Paediatric Spinal Surgery Management Unit has been established, and the Clinical Specialty Lead for Spinal Surgery commenced in post in January 2024.
I will continue to drive progress on Scoliosis and Spina Bifida services as priority areas under the Waiting List Action Plan 2024.
