Scoliosis surgery delays
Deputy Andrews raised the case of Sophie Redmond and other scoliosis patients waiting urgently for surgery. The Tánaiste expressed sympathy, said work was under way to reduce waiting times, and asked for the individual details so the case could be looked into.
I have twice raised the matter of scoliosis patients on Questions on Promised Legislation, and the case of 11-year-old Sophie Redmond. How far is the Government going to let Sophie and other scoliosis patients suffer, physically and mentally, before they have the urgent, time-sensitive surgeries they require?
Comment on this
I am very sorry to hear that the Deputy's constituent is waiting on that operation. A considerable amount of effort has gone in to reducing waiting times for scoliosis operations in the past couple of years. Extra staff have been hired and a new theatre in Crumlin has been provided. Lots of things are happening. I do not have the details of the individual case to which the Deputy referred, but if he wants to pass them on to me, I will make sure it gets looked into.