Fewer than five Irish scoliosis patients sought treatment abroad

Irish Examiner Health Correspondent Niamh Griffin reported recently on an Irish teenager who had surgery at Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza in Apulia, Italy, under the Treatment Abroad Scheme. 

Fewer than five people applied to the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for help with scoliosis surgery last year, with patients now calling for greater awareness and a streamlined process.

It follows Kerry teenager Camesha Leen having successful surgery at an Italian hospital founded by Padre Pio supported by funding from the scheme.