According to figures released by Children's Health Ireland (CHI), the number of children and young people waiting for spinal surgery has fallen to 199 as of last month. This marks a significant reduction from previous months, reflecting ongoing efforts to address the backlog.
The decrease is attributed to increased surgical capacity and the opening of new operating theatres at CHI's facilities. The hospital group has been working to reduce waiting times for complex spinal procedures, which are critical for conditions like scoliosis.
CHI has not provided a specific timeline for when the waiting list might be cleared, but the current figure represents the lowest in recent memory. The health service continues to prioritize urgent cases, and families are being kept informed of their child's status.
This progress is part of a broader initiative to improve pediatric surgical services in Ireland, with investments in staffing and infrastructure. However, CHI acknowledges that more work remains to ensure timely access for all children in need of spinal care.
