TD slams delays in treating scoliosis
Independent TD Joan Collins raised the issue at leaders’ questions when she urged Tánaiste Joan Burton to allocate more resources to deal with the condition.
Ms Collins said the health budget had been cut by €1bn since 2012, and that the Government needs to reassess its priorities.
“Scoliosis is a serious condition that causes curvature of the spine and, in more serious cases, if not treated it affects children, leaving their backs twisted and deformed and can put pressure on their lungs and heart.
“More than 530 children are stuck on waiting lists for orthopaedic surgery at Crumlin children’s hospital. Moreover, 50 children who need surgery for curvature of the spine are waiting for up to 18 months and more for surgery at Crumlin and Tallaght hospitals.
“Patrick Kiely, who is a consultant at Crumlin hospital, has stated these delays not only cause increased deformity and discomfort in a growing child, but also lead to more complex surgery and treatment also being more costly.
“And it’s not economically sensible. Research indicates a 15%-30% increased cost associated with correcting the more severe curves,” the TD said.
“What is needed are more surgeons, extra theatre time, more specialised areas for traction, of which there are only two in Crumlin hospital,” Ms Collins said.
Ms Burton said that increased funds had gone into the HSE in the budget.
“A total of well over €800m has been allocated, much of which will go to hospitals. The Government has made an allocation for a significant capital investment to build a new children’s hospital,” Ms Burton said.
Ms Collins said that the Government was not doing enough. “People have been told they will be obliged to wait for more than 18 months for operations,” she said.
“The orthopaedic consultant-population ratio is at least two times lower here than in the rest of the western world; we have approximately one spinal surgeon for 250,000 people.”
