Response to the Irish Sun regarding article published on 10th March 2026: "US doc’s ‘nobody to do’ complex ops in Ireland alert & need to go abroad claim"

Dear Editor,

We wish to address recent commentary regarding spinal services within the United Kingdom and correct fundamental inaccuracies contained in your article of 10th March 2026.

It is misleading to suggest that children in the United Kingdom require treatment abroad due to a lack of local expertise. We have a well-established, highly specialised, and internationally renowned paediatric spinal deformity service, delivered through nationally commissioned centres. This is led by experienced surgeons, supported by multi-disciplinary teams and governed by robust frameworks, with outcomes monitored and aligned with international best practice.

International collaboration remains valuable, and treatment abroad may occasionally be appropriate for rare diseases or disorders. The United Kingdom has however, invested significantly in specialist centres, workforce development, multidisciplinary infrastructure, national data collection and robust governance frameworks.

It is also important to recognise the fundamental differences between healthcare systems. The NHS provides care that is free at the point of use, ensuring equitable access regardless of financial means. Whilst there are inevitable pressures on capacity and waiting times, our patients are prioritised according to clinical need, ensuring that complex patients at risk of harm are treated as a priority.

In contrast, healthcare delivery in the United States is predominantly insurance-driven, with access to specialist care often determined by coverage, affordability and network limitations; any direct comparisons must therefore be approached cautiously.

Public commentary that overlooks these realities risks misrepresenting United Kingdom spinal services and undermining confidence in a system that continues to deliver complex, high-quality care under challenging circumstances.

Yours faithfully,

Rajat Verma
President
British Association of Spinal Surgeons

Lee Brakewell
President
British Scoliosis Society

Mike Hutton
Spine Surgery Specialist Lead
GIRFT/ NHS England

Fergal Monsell
President
British Orthopaedic Association

Letter in response to Irish Sun article published at: www.thesun.ie/news/16657846/spinal-surgeries-abroad-ireland-waiting-lists-david-feldman.