Reduction in theatre hours denies Conor operation vital to his growth

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Conor Coughlan has an S-shaped spine and the only way that this physical disability can be treated is by inserting rods into his back which allow him to grow.

Last April, in a gruelling 12-hour operation he had the first set of growing rods put in his back. In November, they were removed, lengthened and re-inserted. and were due for further extension last month.

However, as budget cutbacks continue to bite at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, the senior infant from Ballygarvan in Cork has been informed that he will have to wait for that all-important operation as theatre hours are being reduced.