MSP’s sick baby fund campaign pays off
£1.5m to support families
AN MSP whose baby inspired a successful campaign has welcomed the launch of a £1.5million fund to help the parents of sick newborns.
Labour’s Mark Griffin called for the creation of a family fund after his daughter Rosa was born 13 weeks early last year and spent her first five months in hospital.
The Scottish Government’s neonatal expenses fund will be available from tomorrow to all parents whose babies are receiving special care.
Ministers estimate it will help more than 8000 families a year.
Parents will be able to claim for one return trip, parking and up to £8.50 in subsistence costs each day for the duration of their baby’s stay in a neonatal unit.
Griffin said: “The standard of care Rosa received from committed NHS staff was extraordinary and my family will forever be in their debt.
“The experience showed me that, at a time when parents had to focus solely on their baby, they had the added worry about the impact on their finances.
“This was especially true for parents travelling long distances to the unit their baby was in, or if they had other children at home who required to be cared for.
“I took my personal experience to Parliament and secured change.
“The fund will commence on Rosa’s first birthday. For me this is but the first step, and I will continue to do all I can to support families who have children requiring extended hospital care.”
Health Secretary Shona Robison said: “Having a premature or sick baby is a hugely testing and emotional time for parents. We want to ensure they are supported.
“For some parents, getting to and from the hospital every day can be a big additional expense. Easing this pressure will, I hope, be one less thing for parents in this situation to worry about.”