Earl Atleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether financial assistance is available to meet the travel expenses incurred by parents visiting their sick children or elderly relatives in National Health Service hospitals; if so, what amount was expended for this purpose in the latest year for which figures are available; and in relation to how many people. [HL343]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Warner)The hospital travel costs scheme funds transport to hospital for patients, and an escort where medically necessary, where the patient is in receipt of certain benefits or on a low income. Although assistance with travel costs for visiting relatives is not included in the scope of the scheme, hospitals have the discretion to give this assistance for patients who have a clinical need for visitors and in many cases already do so.
Financial expenditure figures for the hospital travel costs scheme are not collected centrally at the Department of Health.
Earl Atleeasked Her Majesty's Government:
What accommodation, if any, is available in National Health Service hospitals for a parent needing to maintain close contact with a sick child; and [HL344]
Whether departmental guidance is issued to National Health Service trusts about appropriate financial arrangements for accommodating parents needing to maintain close contact with a sick child; and [HL345]
What evidence is there that parental stays in hospital, on the advice of professional staff, have any impact in reducing the length of stay in hospital of a sick child. [HL346]
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§ Lord WarnerAccommodation is generally available for parents attending their sick children in hospital. This ranges from separate overnight facilities to folding beds by the child's bed and use of a sitting room, kitchen and washing facilities. The nature of the accommodation usually reflects the child's needs and length of stay. TheNational Service Framework for Children: Standard .for Hospital Services issued in April 2003 states that facilities should cater for parents and siblings with suitable provision for overnight stays and access to meals and relaxation. No charge should be made for accommodation. A number of papers note the beneficial effects of parental access to their children whilst in hospital and subsequently in managing the transition from hospital to home, safely and without delay.