'We will always have spinal surgery waiting lists' - Health Minister wants no child to wait more than four months but it's not that simple, says top consultant

The outsourcing of surgeries is one of numerous "changes" and efficiencies introduced by the Department of Health's new national paediatric spinal surgery management unit, set up in January.

Children were selected for surgery outsourced overseas based on how long they have been waiting, their age, complexity and urgency, particularly in terms of potential harm.

The State will fund two adults to travel with a patient, including business class flights, allowing the child to lie flat on reclining seats on the return leg home.

Moore does not present outsourcing of surgeries as a triumph, expressing a preference for performing surgeries within Ireland due to the upheaval faced by families.

Read at Irish Independent