Question
Untitled item
S6W-23806 · Written Question · lodged by Baillie, Jackie
Lodged on
11 Dec 2023Heard / answered on
29 Dec 2023To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reported concerns that some families are unable to pay upfront accommodation bills to be with their children in hospital, in light of the Young Patients Family Fund providing reimbursement after costs have been incurred.
The answer
The Young Patients Family Fund (YPFF) helps to offset the cost of any accommodation required by eligible visitors.
The YPFF terms and conditions direct claimants to access NHS Board visitor accommodation in the first instance. Where this is not available, private accommodation (e.g. hotel) can be booked and the fund’s terms and conditions direct the NHS Board to book on behalf of the claimant where this is possible.
This process helps to ensure that most claimants avoid having to pay large accommodation bills upfront. My officials have not been alerted to an issue with this process, however, I have asked them to write to YPFF administration teams in NHS Boards to remind them of the importance of taking action to reduce unnecessary temporary financial pressures on families.
The YPFF terms and conditions direct claimants to access NHS Board visitor accommodation in the first instance. Where this is not available, private accommodation (e.g. hotel) can be booked and the fund’s terms and conditions direct the NHS Board to book on behalf of the claimant where this is possible.
This process helps to ensure that most claimants avoid having to pay large accommodation bills upfront. My officials have not been alerted to an issue with this process, however, I have asked them to write to YPFF administration teams in NHS Boards to remind them of the importance of taking action to reduce unnecessary temporary financial pressures on families.
Answered by Jenni Minto on 29 Dec 2023.