Over 250 children with scoliosis awaiting treatment

New figures show there are over 250 children with scoliosis either waiting on an operation to fix a spinal curvature or waiting to see a consultant.

There are 165 children with scoliosis currently waiting for surgery, 143 at Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin and 22 at Temple Street Children's University Hospital.

Figures show there are 91 children with scoliosis waiting to see a consultant and some have been waiting for up to 15 months.

In a statement, the Children's Hospital Group said it is working with the Health Service Executive to progress treatment for those waiting as quickly as possible.

One of Ireland's leading orthopedic surgeons, David Moore, has raised concerns about the length of time children and teenagers are waiting for operations.

He says the longer the wait for surgery the worse the curve gets which causes the cost of the procedure to rise.

A statement from The Rights for Children with Scoliosis Parents Action Group said that while it welcomes the news that efforts are being made to address waiting lists, it feels more needs to be done.

“There needs to be a more effective system put in place to stop children falling through the cracks,” it said.



Source : RTE , 21st Jan 2016