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Irish Health Authorities Approve Spinal Surgery Treatment Abroad

Children to receive world class care overseas

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Ireland’s healthcare system is facing significant challenges when it comes to specialized surgeries like spinal surgery. For many children suffering from scoliosis and other spinal issues, timely surgical intervention is critical to avoid long-term complications. However, the reality in Ireland today is one of limited capacity and long waiting lists, which puts immense strain on families and affects the health outcomes of the children in need.

Long Wait Lists in Ireland

The availability of specialized spinal surgery in Ireland is limited, with many hospitals unable to meet the demand for these critical procedures. The result is lengthy waiting periods that can extend for months, if not years. During this time, children’s conditions can worsen, leading to increased pain, reduced mobility, and in severe cases, permanent disability.

For parents, the prospect of waiting indefinitely for surgery is distressing. They watch their children endure pain and limitations, knowing that timely surgery could significantly improve their quality of life. This has led many families to seek alternatives outside the country, exploring medical travel as a viable option.

Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) recently disclosed that about 70 children have been waiting for surgery for over four months, despite the government’s commitment to eliminate such delays by the end of 2022.

Irish Health Authorities Approve Treatment Abroad

To tackle the issue of extended waiting lists, Irish health authorities have decided to refer children to specialized pediatric hospital facilities such as Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York and Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

Some patients have already been offered treatment in London, and New York surgeons are set to visit Ireland soon to assess patients for possible treatment abroad.

In addition, national outsourcing initiatives at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh and the Blackrock Clinic aim to increase capacity for more complex spinal surgeries at CHI.

The Department of Health will cover the costs of flights and accommodation for families choosing to travel abroad for spinal surgeries.

Children To Receive World Class Care

Although the operational details are still being finalized, it is anticipated that dozens of children could benefit from this treatment abroad initiative within weeks.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly announced significant progress in reducing the waiting list for spinal surgeries. He stated, “Dozens of children and their parents will be offered the option to go to the US or the UK for treatment.”

He emphasized the excellence of these international children’s hospitals, saying:

The quality of the clinical care is superb, and we'll provide a comprehensive support package for both the child and their parents.

Treatment Abroad Experts

At Medical Travel Market, we understand the challenges faced by families all over the world seeking medical and surgical treatment outside their home country. Our mission is to provide comprehensive support and guidance, helping families navigate their options and access the best possible care abroad.

If you are seeking high quality private healthcare treatment abroad, feel free to contact us for a treatment consultation.

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