Rose Conway-Walsh Demands Urgent Second Opinion for Teen Scoliosis
Rose Conway-Walsh raised the case of 16-year-old Mikey Henry in the Dáil, urging urgent action after repeated cancellations of his consultant appointments. She said Mikey and his family met the health minister and are seeking an independent second opinion on surgical options and specialist respiratory assessment.
Details of the case
Mikey Henry, aged 16, travelled from Mayo to the Dáil with his parents Penny and Michael and sisters Clara and Kate to press for urgent care for his scoliosis. Conway-Walsh reminded the chamber she first raised the case on the 4th of March and thanked the health minister for meeting the family.
Medical concerns and requests
The family is requesting an independent second opinion on surgical options and access to a spinal specialist who deals with complex cases, together with a respiratory expert, either in Ireland or abroad, to determine whether surgery can be performed at this critical stage.
Appointment cancellations and impact
Conway-Walsh said Mikey's consultant appointments at Crumlin hospital have been cancelled for the fourth time, meaning he has not seen a consultant since August 24 and his condition has worsened. She called for urgent intervention to prevent further delay in assessment and treatment for his scoliosis.
Appeal to the Taoiseach and ministerial response
Conway-Walsh asked the Taoiseach to work with the minister to ensure an urgent intervention for Mikey. The minister responded that she has discussed the case, supports facilitating a second opinion, and noted that referrals to London are regularly made when necessary.
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You remember last month I raised the case of 16-year-old Mikey Henry who suffers with scoliosis in the chamber here, it was on the 4th of March I think. Now Mikey along with his parents Penny and Michael and sisters Clara and Kate travelled from Mayo to the Dáil last week and they met with the health minister while they were here. I do want to sincerely thank the health minister Jennifer Carl McNeill for taking the time to meet the family but now is the time for action they want an independent second opinion on his surgical options. His parents are requesting the help of a spinal specialist that deals with specific complex care along with a respiratory expert either in Ireland or abroad to get a full and thorough assessment on whether surgery can be done at this critical stage. Now Mikey's consultant appointments in Crumlin hospital has been cancelled for the 4th time. This means that he hasn't seen a consultant since August 24 and all the while his condition worsens. So I ask you Taoiseach if you could work with the minister to ensure that there's an urgent intervention. Thank you. Conway Walsh again I've talked to the minister in respect of Mikey Walsh because you spoke to me last week about that case and again as I said to you last week I think a second opinion should be facilitated and if it's necessary to the states or somewhere that we should there's another case yeah whatever but we should do and they regularly do refer to people to London you know so you know so you and they're gonna get you you you so you you you you you
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