Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that allowing waiting lists to get as long as they have is not only hurting children with scoliosis, but also their families.

Teachta Crowe said that the Government failed to meet the promise it made in 2017 that no child would be waiting longer than four months for surgery, saying that waiting times are actually longer now.

Teachta Crowe said:

“In my opinion, leaving a child diagnosed with scoliosis to languish without the medical and surgical intervention they require borders on the cruel. We know that early intervention and treatment for children with scoliosis is paramount for preventing severe complications. If left untreated, scoliosis can lead to debilitating spinal deformities, respiratory issues and chronic pain.

“Allowing waiting lists to get as long as they have is not only hurting children but also their families. Parents look on helplessly as their children slowly become more and more impacted, first by the unnatural posture and then the agony, torment and chronic pain that no child or adult should have to endure. They even have trouble catching their breath. All too often, they are left with no option but a wheelchair, with the very real prospect of never walking unaided again.

“Timely interventions like bracing or surgery can halt or correct the progression of the curvature of the spine, thereby ensuring normal spinal development and preventing long-term disabilities. The key word here is ‘timely’.

“Long waiting lists are not some political football. Behind those numbers are very real individuals whose quality of life is slowly eroded week by week, month by month. Children and their families deserve better.

“The Government has failed to meet the promise it made in 2017 that no child would be waiting longer than four months for surgery. It is beyond a failure. Waiting times are getting worse, as the Minister knows.

“The Minister has a choice in that he can end the waiting lists and we can collectively agree to end this scandal and address the real challenges facing these families. We have it in our collective power in this House to stop the pain these families are facing. There is no reason we cannot support these families and bring about supports for these young people.”