Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health, David Cullinane TD, has expressed concern and frustration at the fact that there are still 37 children waiting longer than six months just for a date for their spinal surgery with Children’s Health Ireland.

He said that in advance of the General Election, the government was clear that there would not be more than 20 children waiting longer than four months by the end of 2024.

Fifteen children are still waiting over a year for their surgery date.

Teachta Cullinane called on the Minister for Health to explain the failure of the health service to meet the targets which were set and to come forward with a realistic plan to meet the commitment first given by Simon Harris in 2017.

Teachta Cullinane said:

“It is very frustrating and highly concerning that 37 children are still waiting longer than six months just for a date for their spinal surgery. That does not count all of the months, and in many cases years, which these children have already been waiting for care.

“When the government was under pressure in the lead into the General Election, promises were made that no more than 20 children would still be waiting longer than four months by the end of 2024. This did not happen, and it is another target missed.

“Parents and advocates were sceptical of the last Minister’s half-baked plans and promises, and sadly they have once again been proven right.

“Children’s Health Ireland has been the subject of intense scrutiny over the last few years, with several reviews and investigations by HIQA and the HSE still ongoing. These reviews have dragged on for far longer than initially stated, and the regular updates which were promised never materialised.

“There are still no answers to any of the questions which are being asked of CHI’s governance and safety arrangements, and they continue to miss their targets for spinal surgery waiting lists. This is all the more concerning as we look to the new Children’s Hospital, with serious question marks over CHI’s readiness to move into and fully staff the new hospital when it is completed.

“This saga will never find a permanent resolution until the Government ditches half-measures and grasps the nettle of the issue. A detailed workforce plan is needed for the children’s surgical workforce to make sure we have enough surgeons, nurses, and specialist health care professionals to deliver timely care for children in need.”