Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Hugh’s Bill (Financial Support for Parents of Children in Hospital) - Clause 1: Report on merits of providing financial support to parents of children receiving care in hospital for extended periods

19 January 2024 · 4 other contributors

Opened by Oliver Heald Lab Colne Valley

Benefits & WelfareChildren & 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 hugh’s bill (financial support for parents of children in hospital) - clause 1: report on merits of providing financial support to parents of children receiving care in hospital for extended periods in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Bill requires the Secretary of State to report on the merits of providing financial support to parents whose children are hospitalized for extended periods.
  • The proposal is based on a constituent's experience and addresses mental, physical support needs, and potential financial assistance.
  • About 4,000 children annually spend more than two months continuously in hospital, impacting parents' ability to work or maintain employment.

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 Colne Valley

The Bill aims to require the Secretary of State to report to Parliament on the merits of providing financial support to parents whose children are hospitalized for an extended period. The proposal stems from a constituent's experience, focusing on mental and physical support needs as well as potential financial assistance. It highlights cases where about 4,000 children annually spend more than two months continuously in hospital, affecting parent's ability to work or maintain employment due to the need for constant care and support.

Other contributors (4)
  • Oliver Heald Lab Colne Valley

    He emphasises the case of his constituent, Ceri Menai-Davis, who lost his six-year-old son Hugh to a rare cancer and has since set up a charity called 'It’s Never You' to support parents of ill children. He highlights issues like access to food at weekends for hospital-staying parents and calls for government holistic support. He also mentions the need for financial assistance due to the severe economic burden faced by such families.

  • Jo Gideon Lab Batley and Spen

    [INTERVENTION] She praises Oliver Heald's right hon. and learned Friend for highlighting the powerful work of parents who campaign for changes in laws based on their lived experiences, citing an example from her own constituency.

  • Vicky Foxcroft Lab Lewisham North

    Compliments Sir Oliver Heald on his articulate arguments and expresses Labour's full support for the Bill. She suggests sharing prepared notes with him should he require them.

  • Jo Churchill Con Nottingham North

    Expresses gratitude towards Vicky Foxcroft and congratulates Sir Oliver Heald on bringing forward an important issue. She acknowledges the difficulties faced by parents whose children are in hospital for extended periods due to serious illnesses or injuries, such as Ceri and Frances who lost their son Hugh to cancer at age six. Jo Churchill commits to establishing a stakeholder forum to consult with key stakeholders, including parents, healthcare professionals, charities, civil society, and organisations that offer related support.

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