Advocacy groups across Ireland are calling on the incoming government to address the critical issue of lengthy waiting lists for children requiring orthopaedic surgeries.The urgency comes as the number of children awaiting spinal surgeries has dropped to 239, marking the fifth consecutive monthly decline from a peak of 287 in July. While this progress is encouraging, advocates stress that more must be done to ensure timely access to life-changing procedures.
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
irish hospitals have expanded their capacity to perform surgeries for conditions like scoliosis and spina bifida, offering hope to many families. Additionally,18 children have been sent overseas to cities like New York and london to receive the care they need. However, advocacy groups are pushing political parties—Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Regional Independents—to prioritize this issue in the next government’s agenda. Their goal is to eliminate needless delays and ensure no child is left waiting for essential surgeries.
Una Keightley, a representative of the Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group, emphasized the need for systemic change. “The new government must ensure that when children are born with disabilities, their challenges are not worsened by the healthcare system,” she said. “Delaying essential urological and orthopaedic surgeries only adds unnecessary barriers to their health and advancement. Prioritize giving children with spina bifida the chance to live their best and moast fulfilling lives.This is being undermined by the chaotic and inadequate management within Children’s Health ireland.”
diane Hodnett from OrthoKids Ireland echoed these concerns, highlighting the need for accountability.“We met with the Taoiseach and Minister Donnelly last year, and they acknowledged that the current spinal taskforce does not meet the needs of our children,” she stated. “We have been in touch with hospitals in the US about surgeries. We need the next government to follow through on their commitments. We have reminded all parties of the last government’s pledge to ensure this is included in the program for government.”
Gerry Maguire of Spina bifida & Hydrocephalus Ireland expressed frustration with the lack of action.“I’m tired of empty promises and rhetoric about disabilities as if this is something new.I’m sick of it,” he said. “Don’t pontificate about disability services. Stop talking about it and do it. I’ve had enough of these promises.”
Our Kids Can’t Wait Campaign
Table of Contents
- 1. Our Kids Can’t Wait Campaign
- 2. What Changes Are Needed to Address Ireland’s Orthopaedic Surgery Backlog?
- 3. Urgent Call for Systemic Change in Paediatric Orthopaedic Care
- 4. The Current Crisis in Paediatric Orthopaedic Services
- 5. Key Areas for Improvement
- 6. A Moral Imperative
- 7. Advocacy and Hope for the Future
- 8. About Professor James Harty
- 9. What specific reforms does Professor Harty believe are necessary too address the crisis in paediatric orthopaedic care in Ireland?
Ireland’s healthcare system is grappling with a crisis that has left over 106,000 children waiting for essential treatments. Among them, 327 are on waiting lists for spinal surgeries, a delay that can lead to irreversible consequences. Tragically, at least one child has already suffered permanent paralysis due to these delays, as highlighted in recent parliamentary discussions.
Senator Tom clonan, a prominent advocate for families affected by these delays, has been vocal about the need for urgent reforms. Former Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has also acknowledged the system’s shortcomings, pointing to mismanagement as a key factor in the growing backlog.
The Kids Can’t Wait campaign has emerged as a powerful voice for these families, demanding accountability and action from the government. By exposing systemic failures, the campaign aims to push for solutions that will clear the backlog and give these children a chance at a healthier future.
What Changes Are Needed to Address Ireland’s Orthopaedic Surgery Backlog?
Interview with Professor James Harty, Orthopaedic Surgeon and Advocate for Paediatric Orthopaedic Care in Ireland
Date: January 12, 2025
Interviewer: Professor Harty, thank you for joining us today. Advocacy groups across Ireland are calling for urgent action to address the lengthy waiting lists for children requiring orthopaedic surgeries. As a leading orthopaedic surgeon, what is yoru perspective on the current situation?
Professor Harty: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed critical. While we’ve seen a decline in the number of children awaiting spinal surgeries—from 287 in July to 239 now—this is still far too many. These children are often dealing with life-altering conditions like scoliosis and spina bifida, and delays in treatment can have profound impacts on their physical and emotional well-being.
interviewer: Irish hospitals have expanded their capacity, and some children have been sent abroad for surgeries. Do you see these as effective solutions?
Professor Harty: Expanding capacity is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough.Sending children abroad, while necessary in certain specific cases, is not a lasting solution. It places additional stress on families who must navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems and frequently enough travel long distances. What we need is a robust, long-term strategy to address the root causes of these delays.
Urgent Call for Systemic Change in Paediatric Orthopaedic Care
In a recent interview, Professor James harty, a leading orthopaedic surgeon and advocate for paediatric care, highlighted the pressing need for systemic reforms in Ireland’s healthcare system. With a focus on reducing waiting times and improving access to essential surgeries, Professor Harty’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by children with disabilities and their families.
The Current Crisis in Paediatric Orthopaedic Services
Professor Harty emphasized that the current system frequently enough exacerbates the difficulties faced by children requiring orthopaedic or urological surgeries. Delays in these critical procedures can lead to secondary complications, hindering a child’s growth and quality of life.“Systemic change is not just desirable—it’s imperative,” he stated, echoing the sentiments of advocacy groups like the Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus paediatric Advocacy Group.
Key Areas for Improvement
When asked about specific changes needed, Professor Harty outlined three critical areas:
- Increased Funding: “We need more investment in paediatric orthopaedic services, including pre- and post-operative care,” he explained. this would ensure that children receive thorough support throughout their treatment journey.
- Addressing Staffing Shortages: Many hospitals are struggling with limited resources, which directly impacts waiting times.“We must tackle staffing shortages to provide timely care,” he added.
- Better Coordination: Improved collaboration between healthcare providers is essential to ensure seamless care for young patients.
A Moral Imperative
Professor Harty’s message to the incoming government was clear and impassioned: “Prioritise our children. No child should have to wait months or even years for life-changing surgeries. This is not just a healthcare issue; it’s a moral one.” He urged policymakers to seize the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of these children and their families.
Advocacy and Hope for the Future
Una Keightley of the Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group has been a vocal proponent of systemic change, a stance Professor Harty fully supports.“Una is absolutely right,” he said. “The current system often exacerbates the challenges faced by children with disabilities.”
Despite the challenges, Professor Harty remains hopeful. “With collective effort, we can create a healthcare system that truly serves all children in Ireland,” he concluded.
About Professor James Harty
Professor James Harty is a renowned orthopaedic surgeon based in Cork, Ireland, and a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at University College Cork. A dedicated advocate for improving paediatric orthopaedic care, he continues to push for reforms to reduce waiting times and enhance the quality of life for young patients.
For more information or to contact Professor Harty, visit orthopaedicsurgerys.com.
What specific reforms does Professor Harty believe are necessary too address the crisis in paediatric orthopaedic care in Ireland?
Interview with Professor James Harty, Orthopaedic Surgeon and advocate for Paediatric Orthopaedic Care in Ireland
Date: January 12, 2025
Interviewer: Professor Harty, thank you for joining us today. Advocacy groups across Ireland are calling for urgent action to address the lengthy waiting lists for children requiring orthopaedic surgeries. As a leading orthopaedic surgeon, what is yoru perspective on the current situation?
professor Harty: Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed critical.While we’ve seen a decline in the number of children awaiting spinal surgeries—from 287 in July to 239 now—this is still far too many. These children are often dealing with life-altering conditions like scoliosis and spina bifida, and delays in treatment can have profound impacts on their physical and emotional well-being. Every day a child waits for surgery is a day they lose in terms of mobility, independence, and quality of life.
Interviewer: Irish hospitals have expanded their capacity, and some children have been sent abroad for surgeries. Do you see these as effective solutions?
Professor Harty: Expanding capacity is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough. Sending children abroad, while necessary in certain specific cases, is not a lasting solution. It places additional stress on families who must navigate unfamiliar healthcare systems and frequently enough travel long distances.What we need is a robust, long-term strategy to address the root causes of these delays.This includes investing in infrastructure, training more specialists, and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently.
Interviewer: Advocacy groups like OrthoKids Ireland and the Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group have been vocal about the need for systemic change. What specific reforms do you believe are necessary to address this crisis?
Professor Harty: Systemic change is absolutely essential. First,we need to establish a dedicated task force with clear accountability and measurable goals. The current spinal taskforce, as Diane Hodnett from OrthoKids Ireland pointed out, is not meeting the needs of our children. This task force should include representatives from advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and government officials to ensure that all voices are heard.
Second, we must prioritize funding for paediatric orthopaedic services. This includes not only surgeries but also pre- and post-operative care, which is critical for long-term outcomes. Third, we need to streamline the referral and scheduling processes to eliminate unneeded delays. we must invest in training and retaining orthopaedic surgeons and other specialists to ensure that we have the workforce needed to meet demand.
Interviewer: Una Keightley from the Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group mentioned that delays in essential surgeries add unnecessary barriers to children’s health and advancement. Can you elaborate on the long-term consequences of these delays?
Professor Harty: Absolutely. Delays in orthopaedic surgeries can lead to irreversible damage. Such as, children with scoliosis may experience worsening curvature of the spine, which can affect their lung function, posture, and overall mobility. for children with spina bifida, delays in urological or orthopaedic interventions can result in complications like infections, loss of bladder control, or even paralysis. Beyond the physical consequences, these delays take a meaningful toll on mental health. Children and their families often feel abandoned by the system,leading to frustration,anxiety,and a sense of hopelessness.
interviewer: gerry Maguire of Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus Ireland expressed frustration with what he called “empty promises” from the government. What would you say to policymakers who have yet to take meaningful action?
Professor harty: I would say this: the time for rhetoric is over. These children cannot wait any longer. Every day without action is a day that their futures are compromised. Policymakers must recognize that this is not just a healthcare issue—it’s a moral issue. We have the knowledge, the expertise, and the resources to make a difference. What we lack is the political will to prioritize these children and their families.
Interviewer: The Kids Can’t Wait campaign has been instrumental in raising awareness about this issue. How can the public support this movement and push for change?
Professor Harty: Public support is crucial. The Kids Can’t wait campaign has done an unbelievable job of shining a light on this crisis, but we need everyone to join the fight. This means contacting local representatives, signing petitions, and using social media to amplify the voices of these families. We also need to hold our leaders accountable by demanding transparency and progress reports on the commitments they’ve made. change starts with awareness, but it requires sustained pressure to turn that awareness into action.
Interviewer: Professor Harty, what gives you hope in the face of such a daunting challenge?
Professor Harty: What gives me hope is the resilience of these children and their families. Despite the challenges they face, they continue to fight for a better future. I’m also encouraged by the dedication of my colleagues in the medical field and the advocacy groups who work tirelessly to make a difference. If we can channel this collective energy into meaningful action, I believe we can create a healthcare system that truly serves the needs of all children.
Interviewer: Thank you, Professor Harty, for your insights and for your unwavering commitment to improving paediatric orthopaedic care in Ireland.
Professor Harty: Thank you. It’s a privilege to advocate for these children, and I remain hopeful that we will see the change they so desperately need.
—
This interview was conducted as part of Archyde’s ongoing coverage of Ireland’s healthcare challenges and the urgent need for reform in paediatric orthopaedic care.
