Mother’s Urgent Call for Faster Scoliosis Treatment for Daughter

A mother from Co Kilkenny is urgently seeking faster medical treatment for her five-year-old daughter, Hannah, who has been diagnosed with scoliosis. Carolann Walsh, 32, first noticed signs of the condition nearly three months ago when she observed one of Hannah’s shoulder blades protruding more than the other. This alarming discovery has prompted concerns about long waiting times for essential MRI scans.

Hannah, who received her scoliosis diagnosis earlier this year, has been referred for an MRI, but the appointment is scheduled for an extensive wait of eight to twelve months. The delay has raised serious concerns for the Walsh family, as Hannah is already experiencing significant pain, including nightly discomfort and headaches attributed to her spinal curvature.

Carolann recognized the symptoms immediately due to her own childhood experience with scoliosis. “About two and a half months ago, she was sitting here on my bed after getting out of the shower, and I noticed that one shoulder was higher than the other,” she explained. The family visited their GP a week later, who confirmed the diagnosis and initiated the referral for an MRI.

The lengthy wait for an MRI is particularly troubling given Carolann’s own history with the condition. Diagnosed at the age of two and a half, she underwent extensive treatment, including wearing body casts and braces that severely limited her mobility. By the age of 14, her spine had curved to 65 degrees, leading to a highly publicised spinal fusion surgery in September 2009 after facing significant delays.

Concerns Over Systemic Healthcare Failures

Carolann highlights that the current healthcare system has not improved since her childhood. “When I was first diagnosed, things were much easier. I got an MRI straightaway,” she noted. The long waiting lists for vital procedures are now a significant concern for many families, including her own.

The situation has been exacerbated by the struggles of other families facing similar delays. Tragically, the case of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt from Dublin, who suffered from spina bifida and scoliosis, underscores the dangers of prolonged waiting times. After waiting over three years for spinal surgery, his health deteriorated, leading to his untimely death last month.

Carolann is also contending with the healthcare needs of her other children. Her eldest daughter, Nessie, has generalised epilepsy and requires ongoing care, while her youngest son, Jackson, has sensory issues and limited speech development. Jackson is currently on a year-long waiting list for speech therapy.

“I’m finding it all so hard. I’m a single parent to three children with disabilities,” Carolann expressed. The cumulative stress of managing multiple health issues and navigating the healthcare system has taken a significant toll on her mental health. She is also waiting nine months for an appointment with a mental health counsellor.

Raising Awareness for Faster Treatment

As her family faces these challenges, Carolann is calling for urgent action to ensure that no child has to wait in pain for essential treatment. She emphasises that the backlog of children awaiting spinal assessments and treatment is causing unnecessary suffering. “It’s clear that people aren’t doing their jobs. The system is failing in nearly every aspect,” she stated.

Despite assurances from health authorities to improve care, Carolann believes that little has changed. “I’m not the only person saying this. There are so many people out there who feel the same way – something needs to change,” she added.

Carolann’s pleas reflect a growing concern among parents and advocates about the state of healthcare services in Ireland. The need for expedited treatment pathways is crucial, especially for children like Hannah, who require timely interventions to prevent further complications.

The Walsh family’s situation sheds light on broader systemic issues within the healthcare system, highlighting the urgent need for reform to ensure children receive the medical care they need without unnecessary delays.