The HSE has been asked to carry out an audit of children’s orthopaedic care, according to the health minister.
Stephen Donnelly said he wanted the health service’s internal audit teams to examine how a 19 million euro allocation in 2022 was used.
Mr Donnelly said the state had failed “far too many” children in need of orthopaedic care.
He was speaking in the Dail after Sinn Fein brought a motion calling on the Government to establish an independent taskforce to review scoliosis and spina bifida services.
The Government tabled a countermotion which, while recognising delays for spinal surgery remain too long, said the Government is committed to improving waiting times.
It also said the minister intends to convene a taskforce on the issue and a dedicated paediatric spinal surgery management unit had been established at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI).
The Department of Health said 464 spinal procedures were carried out last year and 78 active patients were waiting more than four months at the end of December.
Mr Donnelly told the Dail: “What is happening is inhumane.”
He said he had committed 19 million euro specifically for children’s…
