Waiting lists for spinal surgery services deteriorates further – O’Rourke

Fianna Fáil TD for Kildare North Frank O’Rourke says he is growing increasingly concerned by the deterioration in waiting lists for spinal surgery services at Tallaght Hospital.

Patients from right across the country are referred to Tallaght Hospital for spinal treatment surgeries. New figures obtained by Deputy O’Rourke show that the number of people waiting for treatment has climbed considerably in recent months.

Deputy O’Rourke said, “Tallaght Hospital currently provides spinal surgery services for a number of hospitals, including Naas. There is a significant demand for such services but the Government has failed to set aside the necessary investment in recent years to ensure the hospital is able to cope with this demand. “

“I have been raising this matter in the Dáil chamber for over a year now and each time the Minister gives a commitment that it will be dealt with comprehensively and that waiting lists will be reduced.  Yet figures clearly show that the waiting lists at Tallaght Hospital are rapidly deteriorating with one surgeon alone having 500 patients of which 170 are awaiting spinal surgery.”

“It’s simply unacceptable that patients, who have been told that they urgently require treatment by their doctor, are expected to wait up to 18 months and in some cases up to 38 months to receive the life altering surgery that they require. It’s expected that demand for such services is set to increase significantly in the years ahead so the waiting lists are likely to get even longer unless the Government takes action.

“At present, Tallaght hospital is hiring or renting theatre space from the Beacon Clinic for 1 day per week.  This confirms the chronic lack of resources, theatre space and infrastructure at Tallaght.”

I have previously called for a targeted investment programme to boost spinal surgery services at Tallaght Hospital. The latest waiting list figures show that such an investment programme is needed now more than ever,” concluded Deputy O’Rourke.