Ireland’s Children’s Spinal Surgery Waiting List Drops Below 200

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The number of children and young people waiting for pediatric spinal surgery in Ireland dropped to 199 last month, according to figures released by Children’s Health Ireland (CHI). This milestone represents a notable decrease in the backlog for complex spinal procedures like scoliosis, driven by increased surgical capacity and the opening of new operating theatres across CHI facilities.

Waiting List Figures and Surgical Activity

According to Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), the reduction to 199 patients waiting for surgery reflects ongoing efforts to tackle pediatric waiting lists. In a previous activity report covering the period up to June 2026, CHI noted that 193 procedures were added to the surgical wait list while 237 spinal surgeries were completed in that timeframe. By August 2026, the active waiting list fell below the 200 mark.

CHI divides spinal surgery patients into “complex” and “non-complex” groups, utilizing different clinical pathways to manage care. Patient prioritization depends heavily on diagnosis, the size of the spinal deformity, patient age, remaining growth potential, and any underlying co-morbidities.

Outpatient Clinic Improvements and Wait Times

Alongside inpatient surgical updates, outpatient department (OPD) metrics have shown substantial improvement. According to CHI data, the weighted average wait time for an OPD appointment dropped to 4.3 months, down from 7.9 months during the same period in 2025. By the end of June 2026, the total OPD wait list stood at 415 patients, marking a 29% reduction compared to 584 patients at that time in the previous year.

CHI attributes these gains to additional clinic capacity, including weekend clinics. Furthermore, 99% of patients are waiting less than 12 months for their first appointment, and all patients waiting longer than 12 months currently have an OPD appointment scheduled.

Alternative Pathways and Treatment Abroad

Not all scoliosis patients require immediate surgical intervention. Non-surgical treatment pathways managed by CHI include observation, casting, and bracing, with the health service reporting no current delays for children requiring braces or casts.

For families considering care outside of Ireland, uptake for spinal treatment abroad remains low due to family preferences and follow-up considerations. According to CHI records, 19 patients have received treatment abroad since January 2024, while more than 1,000 surgeries have been performed domestically by CHI spinal services over the same period. CHI confirms that all families are offered overseas treatment options if deemed clinically appropriate.