Children with spina bifida losing ability to walk while on 'abhorrent waiting lists' 

Amanda Coughlan Santry, spokeswoman for a support group for families of children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus, with her son TJ, 16.  Picture: Ray Ryan

Parents of children with spina bifida who are losing the ability to walk while on “abhorrent waiting lists” have written to the health minister begging for immediate action.

Spina bifida is a type of neural tube defect which has been described as “one of the most complex congenital conditions compatible with life”. Ireland has one of the highest rates of neural tube defects in the world.