Scoliosis surgery delay
Deputy Andrews said an 11-year-old scoliosis patient still had no surgery date despite earlier assurances. The Taoiseach said Covid-19 had affected paediatric care and he would examine the current delay.
I am sorry, a Cheann Comhairle. I was not sure where I was on the list. Sometimes I am never sure where I am.
Before the summer recess I raised the serious health concerns of an 11-year-old scoliosis patient, Sophie Redmond, with the Taoiseach. Sophie is in need of urgent spinal surgery but she also desperately requires surgery on her knees. At the time, the Taoiseach mentioned the gravity of the situation and said he understood the time-sensitive nature of it. Sophie is no closer now to getting her surgery than when I raised the matter before the recess. I ask the Taoiseach not to forget about scoliosis patients and children such as Sophie Redmond. Will he make sure that somebody contacts her parents to ensure that her surgery, and surgeries similar to that, are carried out as a matter of urgency?
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy for raising the issue. In the context of scoliosis and other conditions in respect of which surgery is urgently required, we are anxious that such surgery would be available to children. Covid-19 impacted on paediatric care and on adult care. I am not sure of the clinical context here but I will examine this and determine the current position in terms of the delays.