Children with Scoliosis and Spina Bifida Deserve Better
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South West, Seán Crowe, has taken a stand against the Government’s neglect of children with scoliosis and spina bifida. He has called out An Taoiseach Simon Harris for what he deems as “disgraceful” treatment of these vulnerable young individuals. Crowe has highlighted the harrowing reality faced by these children who are left waiting in agony for life-changing surgeries, with their conditions deteriorating as they languish on endless waiting lists.
Crowe’s criticism stems from the broken promises made by Harris seven years ago, when he pledged to prioritize the needs of children with scoliosis and spina bifida. However, as Crowe pointed out, these promises have turned out to be nothing but empty words, leaving children like 8-year-old Harvey Sherratt in a state of limbo. Harvey’s case, where he was unexpectedly removed from the surgery waiting list without his parents’ knowledge, sheds light on the systemic failures within the healthcare system that are failing these children.
The Urgency of Timely Interventions
The reality faced by children with scoliosis and spina bifida is a race against time, with every passing day increasing the risk of irreversible damage and permanent paralysis. Crowe emphasized the urgent need for timely interventions to prevent these conditions from becoming inoperable, a fate that too many children are currently facing. One alarming instance raised by Crowe was the case of a child who had to endure weeks-long waits just to undergo a simple MRI scan at Crumlin Hospital.
The lack of transparency surrounding waiting lists and the arbitrary removal of patients without proper communication or justification further exacerbate the already dire situation faced by these children. Crowe highlighted the need for comprehensive data collection to understand why individuals are being removed from waiting lists and to ensure accountability within the healthcare system.
Fulfilling Promises and Taking Action
Despite promises made by Harris seven years ago to ensure that children with scoliosis would not wait longer than four months for surgery, the reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture. Crowe criticized the Taoiseach for his failure to deliver on these commitments, leaving parents of children with various medical conditions disillusioned with empty promises.
In response to the government’s inaction, Sinn Féin proposed a comprehensive plan for pediatric orthopedic services that would eliminate waiting lists through collaboration with parents, advocates, and clinicians. However, the government voted against this plan, leaving children like Harvey and countless others in a state of uncertainty and suffering.
In conclusion, the plight of children with scoliosis and spina bifida highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms and a commitment to prioritizing the well-being of these vulnerable individuals. It is time for the government to move beyond empty promises and take concrete actions to ensure that no child is left behind in their time of need.
