The SNP Government has delivered on its manifesto pledge to introduce a Young Patients Family Fund, which will support families with the cost of providing essential care to their children in hospital. The new fund will provide support to parents and siblings of inpatient children with the costs of travel, food and overnight accommodation. On delivering the manifesto pledge, £5 million has been set aside initially, with actual spend being determined by demand. The commitment was also part of the SNP Government’s 100 days plan. Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“Having a child in hospital can be an extremely traumatic experience for families and the new fund will ease some of the pressure families feel by providing support for the additional costs that parents and siblings face.
“I was delighted that this policy was included in the SNP Government’s First 100 Days commitment, as I know the Young Patients Family Fund will be a welcome relief to families across North Ayrshire who have a child receiving in-patient care in hospital. “The SNP Government will continue to deliver on our manifesto pledges its First 100 Days commitments.” ENDS
