Order, Order

We turn now to a vote on the Motion on the introduction of a Welsh Young Patients Family Fund.

Motion on the introduction of a Welsh Young Patients Family Fund

This Senedd notes:

1. That the parents and/or carers of young people in hospitals across Wales are susceptible to an additional loss of income and face additional and unnecessary challenges as a result of this.

2. That these unnecessary burdens include, but are not limited to, travel fees, the cost of finding suitable accommodation, loss of income as a result of taking time away from employment, food and drink, and childcare for other children.

3. That this is exacerbated especially for the carers of children who are receiving inpatient care for a longer period of time or require repeated hospital visits for treatment due to disabilities and long-term health conditions.

This Senedd accordingly:

1. Calls upon the Welsh Government to evaluate the implementation of a Young Patients Family Fund across Wales which provides the necessary funds to the families of children receiving inpatient treatment across Wales.

2. Requests that this fund considers the particular burden of the costs of travel, the costs of suitable accommodation for family members, loss of income, food and drink, and childcare.

3. Calls upon the Finance Minister and the Minister for Health to begin the introduction of a Young Patients Family Fund by the next budget if deemed possible.

This motion was authored and submitted by Independent MS The Rt Hon. Sir PoliticoBailey KG KT KD GBE KCT LVO.

Llywydd,

When any young person requires inpatient hospital care across Wales, this is naturally an incredibly challenging time for their parents and their families. Their attention will be on the wellbeing of the young person involved and the treatment they need and require. What they shouldn’t have to worry about at this time, is the costs associated with inpatient care and the extra stress this can have on the family - especially with the added pressures of the Cost of Living crisis this is something that is as necessary as ever.

There are, it could be argued, implications for finances when parents have children in hospital - especially if they require specialist treatment at a hospital not in the immediate vicinity of their homes. Parents are faced with immediate additional expenses, especially in those cases of repeated attendances to hospital and inpatient care. From travel fees, accommodation for family members where they need to stay near the hospital, childcare for other children at urgent notice in some cases, and ensuring that our parents and families are looked after as well as the patient so they can be there for their child.

I’ve campaigned on this issue for some time now, and I’m asking for the Welsh Government to act - for the families of the present, and the families of our future. Let our families focus on their loved ones without the burden of financial implications.

Link to the Debate

Voting on this motion will end at the close of business on 11th of June at 10pm BST