Urgent: Over 100 Kids Face Year-Long Wait for Spinal Care

Urgent Update: Over 100 children are awaiting spinal consultations at CHI Crumlin in Dublin, with some facing waits exceeding four years. As of July 2025, 117 children had no scheduled appointment date, raising alarms about severe delays in essential healthcare.

The situation highlights a critical backlog in pediatric spinal care that has left many families in distress. Despite the addition of extra clinics and staff, nearly 20 specialist posts remain unfilled, exacerbating the crisis.

Tanya Ward from the Children’s Rights Alliance expressed grave concerns, stating, “This mirrors previous issues we faced with cardiac care, indicating systemic failures in ensuring timely treatment for vulnerable children.”

As the summer progresses, families are increasingly anxious about the health implications of these lengthy waits. Reports indicate that children are not only facing physical challenges but also emotional distress due to uncertainty in their care.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. With more children being added to waiting lists each day, advocates are calling for immediate action from health authorities to address staffing shortages and streamline care processes.

Parents are urged to remain vigilant and advocate for their children’s needs amidst this ongoing crisis. As this situation develops, it is crucial to monitor updates from CHI Crumlin and health officials for any changes regarding access to essential spinal care services.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities work to resolve these pressing healthcare issues.