Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Children in Hospital for Extended Periods (Report to Parliament)

20 June 2023 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Oliver Heald Lab Co-op North East Cambridgeshire

Children & FamiliesNHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Oliver Heald raised concerns about children in hospital for extended periods (report to parliament) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Mr Heald moved to bring in a Bill requiring the Secretary of State to report on providing financial support for parents of children receiving care in hospital for extended periods.
  • About 4,000 children annually spend more than two months continuously in hospitals.
  • There is no specific state support for parents whose finances are affected due to time spent with their child in hospital.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Oliver Heald Lab Co-op North East Cambridgeshire

Mr Heald moved to bring in a Bill requiring the Secretary of State to report on providing financial support for parents of children receiving care in hospital for extended periods, highlighting the case of his constituent Ceri Menai-Davis and the difficulties faced by families supporting sick children. He mentioned that about 4,000 children annually spend more than two months continuously in hospitals and noted that while some limited help exists (such as annual leave entitlement or unpaid parental leave), there is no specific state support for parents whose finances are affected due to time spent with their child in hospital.

Other contributors (1)
  • Oliver Heald Lab Co-op North East Cambridgeshire

    Mr Heald detailed the impact of prolonged hospital stays on families, noting that his constituent Ceri Menai-Davis and his wife Frances were present to highlight their ordeal during their son Hugh's illness. The charity 'It’s Never You' was established by Mr Menai-Davis and Mrs Menai-Davis to provide mental and physical support for parents with children in hospital. He emphasised the need for financial support, suggesting that a report be made on its merits, which would not cost much but could alleviate concerns about money during tragic circumstances.

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