SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
A report launched by NI Children’s Health Coalition has outlined a litany of difficulties facing parent and caregivers with sick children including the hidden costs associated with traveling for appointments and securing accommodation for overnight stays.
Mr Durkan has been campaigning to expand the Hospital Travel Costs Scheme to include parents with sick children, the previous Health Minister had agreed to initiate a review which has been stalled in the absence of an executive.
Said the Foyle MLA: “This report lays out in no uncertain terms the multitude of barriers facing parents with seriously ill children.
“For any parent, the prospect of their child being unwell or requiring a hospital stay is worrying in itself, yet many parents of children with long-term health conditions are under additional pressures.
“Not only are these families laden with financial pressures of travelling to and from appointments and paying for overnight accommodation but the toll on their mental well-being, personal life and relationships is cause for concern.
“Worryingly research carried out by NI Children’s Health Coalition shows that parents have been forced to borrow money with 15.6% of respondents falling into debt.
“This situation hits hardest for self-employed parents and will have a disproportionately adverse impact on single mothers.
“It’s not good enough that families going through arguably the most difficult time in their lives, are not being properly supported.
“There should be a framework in place to mitigate against the far reaching impacts of having a sick child, to allow parents to focus on their child without the added stress of wondering how they’re going to afford the associated costs.
“The review of the Hospital Travel Costs scheme has been halted due to the DUP’s continued boycott of our institutions.
“However, I’m exploring other avenues to get impacted families the support they need.”
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