Opposition criticises Donnelly over use of €19m earmarked for spinal surgeries

The fact that €19 million in funding which had been earmarked for spinal surgeries was used more broadly across Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) is a “scandal” and a “further betrayal” of children affected by scoliosis, Opposition politicians have said.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly was told in 2022 by CHI it would ensure that no child would have to wait more than four months for spinal surgeries, including scoliosis procedures, by the end of that year. He then allocated €19 million specifically to reduce waiting times and improve spinal and orthopaedic services.

However, Mr Donnelly acknowledged in the Seanad on Wednesday that these funds were not used in the manner in which he had intended and waiting lists remained “unacceptably long, placing a huge burden on the children and young people themselves, as well as their families”.

There were 251 children on a waiting list for spinal surgery as of last April, according to CHI.

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“Based on engagements I had with advocacy groups, I asked the HSE internal audit function to review the allocation of the €19 million committed to spinal and orthopaedic services to ensure the maximum benefit is being derived from this investment,” he said.

“I am awaiting the final report of this review. However, it is clear to me from initial discussions that the majority of that funding, intended for spinal services, was allocated far more broadly across Children’s Health Ireland.”

In the Dáil on Thursday, Sinn Féin finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the families of children with scoliosis had repeatedly warned the €19 million was not being used to cut waiting lists.

Mr Doherty said it was a “scandal” that Mr Donnelly had not listened to the families who raised their concerns with him and his advisors in March 2022, just weeks after the funding was announced.

Speaking during leaders’ questions, Mr Doherty said the families repeatedly contacted the department “over and over again” and the Minister “ignored it”.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin told him the money was allocated for surgeries for children with scoliosis but it was “not ring-fenced”. He acknowledged that there are now about 70 children waiting more than four months for operations and “that’s not satisfactory”, but there had also been issues within the health service which affected capacity.

Social Democrats health spokeswoman Róisín Shortall said “this latest controversy is a further betrayal of children” awaiting scoliosis surgery.

“Children’s Health Ireland must now explain where this money was spent and why it was not used as intended. Confidence in CHI was already on the floor. If its reputation is to be restored, we need full transparency.”

In a statement, CHI said the HSE is “currently undertaking an audit in Children’s Health Ireland to review this allocation of funds. It would be premature to comment until this review is complete and the HSE’s report is received”.

“Overall, CHI’s spinal surgery activity is meeting the targets set in the 2024 Spinal Action Plan, with spinal fusions ahead of schedule,” the statement said.

“However, patient wait times remain a concern. We understand how hard it can be for families during this waiting time.”

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