Question from Deputy David Cullinane - PQ 44153-26

To ask the Minister for Health whether CHI’s categorisation of children with scoliosis as “complex” or “non-complex” is governed by a formally approved national clinical policy; whether this categorisation directly impacts access to surgery, waiting list progression, outsourcing pathways or specialist review; the independent governance and oversight mechanisms that exist in relation to its use; and if she will publish the criteria, associated audit data and outcome measures underpinning this classification system. -David Cullinane