Starting school for the first time is a big moment in any child’s life, and every parent wants the transition to go as smoothly as possible. However, the Boyce family from Co. Wicklow are facing a devastating additional pressure this year.
4-year-old Cara Boyce has been forced to start her school journey with a dislocated hip, and with no indications of when she will be able to receive her vital treatment.
Cara was born with spina bifida and is confined to a wheelchair. Spina bifida occurs when the spine and spinal cord fail to form properly. This condition means that Cara has had a dislocated hip since birth.
Cara’s hip was supposed to be corrected before she turned two years old. However, she is still waiting for surgery, and this is having a huge impact on her life.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Cara’s mother Tonya recounted the enormous stress that is being placed on the entire family.
“Cara will be five later this month and starts junior infants class today with her dislocated hip and I still have no idea when the surgery will be carried out,” she said.
The family were devastated when they were recently told by Temple Street Hospital that Cara’s surgery has been further delayed. The hospital is postponing all planned complex scoliosis surgery for children over the next three weeks, because its system is unable to cope with the demand.
Although Temple Street has increased its number of complex scoliosis surgeries since April, the rise in pressures are continuing to occur as some children can need multiple follow-up operations, which can require them to stay in hospital for an additional few months.
The hospital is insisting that it needs to postpone its surgeries in order to strategize for the autumn and winter season, and be prepared for multiple operations.
Although Cara does not have scoliosis, she is still among 52 children who are currently living with spina bifida in Ireland and waiting for orthopaedic care in Temple Street.
Cara’s mother Tonya went on to stress the difficulties that her daughter is being faced with every day as she continues to wait for surgery. “Cara is having to sit on a dipped seat in her wheelchair and is leaning to one side,” Tonya admitted.
“It is uncomfortable and I see her changing positions. She is not getting the full benefit of her physiotherapy.”
“She will have to sit for several hours in school”, Tonya worried. “At some point when she gets the surgery, she will need to take time off school.” As the recovery period can take months, this could have a detrimental impact on Cara’s education.
A spokesperson for Temple Street Hospital has insisted that the staff are doing their best. “We remain on track to deliver on the promise that by year end, no patient will be waiting longer than four months for spinal surgery - if clinically appropriate.”
