The mother of a 12-year-old girl diagnosed with scoliosis has hit out at the health service for failing to set a date for an operation to straighten her daughter's severely twisted spine.
Scoliosis is a condition that involves complex lateral and rotational curvature and deformity of the spine. It is normally developed as a secondary symptom of another condition which, in the case of Ann-Marie Kelleher, is Rett syndrome.
Ann-Marie, from Killavullen, Co Cork, has endured months of suffering as she awaits surgery on her spine. Local Labour TD Seán Sherlock, who has made several representations on behalf of the Kelleher family, has described the situation as "scandalous".
Despite Ann-Marie's need for urgent surgery, the Kellehers are still awaiting a date for the 10-hour procedure. Doctors claim there is a shortage of theatre facilities.
Ann-Marie, who turns 12 today,attended Cork University Hospital in March, where doctors referred her to an orthopaedic clinic to have a "Boston brace" fitted.
However, the brace was ruled out shortly afterwards when it became evident that it was causing Ann-Marie to develop severe breathing difficulties.
Parents Tom and Bernie then travelled to Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin to meet consultants.
That was in April. Now, six months on, the Kellehers are still on a waiting list while their daughter cannot sit or leave their home. "Words can't even begin to describe what she is going through. It's an absolute disgrace the way she has been treated.
"She has had zero quality of life for almost a year now, and it's breaking our hearts to watch her suffer round the clock," said Ms Kelleher.
"We have had to take her out of school, which is terribly unfair on her. She loves school as it is her only social outlet. She can't travel anywhere in the car because her back is in such a state.
"We spent the entire summer confined to our home. We didn't mind that, though, because we thought an end was in sight with the surgery.
"The buck has been passed continuously. We were promised this, that and the other, but nobody is willing to take responsibility. Going public on this is our last resort. I feel I have to speak out for Ann-Marie who will never be able to speak for herself."