Scoliosis action plan
John Brady sought the status of the promised scoliosis action plan and asked whether simple screening checks would be reinstated. The Taoiseach said scoliosis services were concentrated in the paediatric hospitals and would ask the Minister for Health to clarify the position, after which Brady said the checks had not been reinstated.
The programme for Government commits to tackling the most pressing challenges facing us in health. A number of weeks ago during statements on waiting lists I urged the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, to reinstate the simple scoliosis checks for children. He said it was a logical thing to do and that he would have a look at it in tandem with the HSE's action plan on scoliosis, which he committed to publishing before the end of the month. We have yet to see an action plan for scoliosis. What is the status of the action plan and will checks for scoliosis by primary health care nurses be reinstated? It is a very simple check and it was previously carried out.
Comment on this
Three paediatric hospitals provide scoliosis services, with the most complex cases being dealt with in Crumlin, as Deputy Brady is aware. As of 31 January 193 patients were awaiting spinal procedures in Crumlin, of which 143 are for new spinal fusions. I am not sure whether the simple test to which the Deputy referred has been reinstated but I will ask the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, to confirm the position to Deputy Brady.