Spinal Surgeries Abroad
Introduction
A number of international outsourcing initiatives have been finalised for children waiting on spinal surgeries.
While this option is not suitable for all children waiting on spinal surgeries, dozens of children and families will be able to avail of the option to get their surgery in international facilities. They include Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York, and Great Ormond Street Hospital and The Portland Hospital in London.
These international collaborations were requested by patient advocates. They are being put in place while capacity continues to be expanded at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) and aim to help reduce waiting times.
Package for families travelling:
A funding package has been provided for each patient travelling abroad for their spinal surgery. This includes:
Ábhar an leathanaigh
Ar an leathanach seo gheobhaidh tú eolas faoi:
Flights:
The patient, along with one parent, will be booked in Business Class flights. This means they will have upgraded facilities, more space and more suitable seating.
One other adult will be booked in Economy on the same flight.
Return flights will be booked as flexible tickets based on approximate dates from the patient’s surgical team.
Ferry
If a family would prefer to travel to the UK by Ferry, we can make those arrangements.
Airport and Hospital Transfers
Transfers to and from the airport will be arranged for a child and two accompanying adults. Some transfers to/from the hospital will also be arranged. Families will be provided with these details directly before their travel date.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will be included in the support package and all those in the travelling party will be covered.
Accommodation
For comfort and flexibility, families will be booked into either a 3-Star hotel or a serviced apartment, close to the hospital. Families will be provided with these details directly before their travel date.
Expenses
Families will be provided with a daily stipend for meals and expenses while they are away. Before the trip, parents will receive a prepaid currency card. More information about this will be discussed directly with families when their surgery date is confirmed.
Further information for families
Children’s Health Ireland’s Spinal Surgery Management Unit team are working directly with families interested in availing of these international options and providing them with all relevant information.
Children's Health Ireland is also preparing a Guide for Families with practical information and details of supports available, which patients will receive directly once available.
Contact Details for patients and families only
Berni Mc Keon
Clinical Nurse Manager, Spinal Surgery Management Unit
Email: Berni.mckeon@childrenshealthireland.ie
Una Galine
Orthopaedics Access Initiatives Lead
Email: una.galine@childrenshealthireland.ie
Contact Details for media queries:
Emma Lynam
PR and Media Manager
Email. Press.office@childrenshealthireland.ie