People Before Profit Health spokesperson, Deputy Gino Kenny, today condemned long waiting lists for orthopedic surgery for children.
He said: “It is shocking that children are waiting for up to four years for corrective surgery for spina bifida and other orthopedic conditions. Some children are waiting for so long that their conditions are inoperable before they are reached on the list”.
The Spina Bifida Pediatric Advocacy Group have reported 56 children in Ireland have been waiting between one and four years for orthopedic surgery to correct the condition that can cause paralysis of the legs and is often accompanied by hydrocephalus, or water on the brain.
People Before Profit Dublin South West TD Paul Murphy highlighted the case of 11 year old Ava Cahill from Tallaght who has been waiting for over a year and a half for corrective surgery.
Deputy Murphy said: “It is shameful that children like Ava are suffering when treatment is available and just needs the Department of Health’s commitment of the surgical resources needed.”
Deputy Kenny said: “Children’s Health Ireland has reported that 649 children are waiting for orthopedic surgery. Minister Stephen Donnelly must act immediately to resolve this long-running national scandal and ensure that children waiting for life changing surgery are treated as soon as possible to end their suffering.”
