Press release
Minister for Health meets with paediatric orthopaedic advocacy groups
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, this evening met with patient advocacy groups to listen to their concerns, and outline in more detail the plans to reduce waiting times for children and adolescents awaiting surgery for conditions such as Spina Bifida and Scoliosis.
The Minister met with the Scoliosis Advocacy Network Group (SANG) and representatives from the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group (SPHPAG). Minister Donnelly outlined the plan to significantly increase activity across Temple Street, Crumlin and Cappagh Kids, in order to ensure that children receive the treatment they need in a timely fashion.
Minister Donnelly said:
“This important initiative proposes ambitious, additional activity levels which will work to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis and spina bifida) by year end. The initiative is further evidence of this government’s commitment to address the issues facing these children.
"Both current and capital funding has been provided, and further investment through the 2022 waiting list action plan fund will be directed to provide additional theatre access at Temple Street and Crumlin, as well as diagnostic MRI capacity to be brought on stream this year at both sites. Further activity and paediatric theatre lists at Cappagh Hospital will also support paediatric orthopaedic services, and will form part of the plans to improve orthopaedic waiting times this year.”
Further information in relation to actions to improve paediatric orthopaedic waiting times in 2022 can be found in last week's press release.