The council is to be asked to offer extra help with travel costs for families of children who are in the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People at Little France.
Cllr Finlay McFarlane, who represents the City Centre Ward, explained that while there are government funds available to help with expenses, these are pay first claim back later schemes, and can add to the immediate financial strain that families face.
He also knows that there are concessionary tickets for under 22 year-olds in Scotland, but says that the costs borne by parents and carers or other family members can be an additional financial pressure at an already stressful time if a child is seriously ill.
He wants to try and offer a stop gap solution for parents and carers who have to unexpectedly take time off work, and who then have to pay for travel, food and accommodation costs while a seriously ill child is in hospital. He says that in meetings with hospital charities and advice services last year this was the main problem which arose.
Notably the money is paid back to the families after the expense has been incurred for taxis or mileage, and the scheme does not assist any of the other people, such as family members, who are supporting a young person with outpatient appointments.
Cllr McFarlane asks the council this: “As a majority share-holder in Lothian Buses we should use our board representation to explore providing free transport to the parents, primary carers or siblings (under 18) to those travelling to or from the Royal Hospital for Children & Young People in a way which minimises additional cost or bureaucracy such as families simply presenting their appointment letter or official document from the Hospital.”
He told The Edinburgh Reporter: “When parents and carers find themselves caring for a young person who is very sick their whole world can change overnight. This stressful situation can be compounded by the financial reality of caring for a wee one in this situation.
“For those parents and carers who use the council’s bus company to get to and from the hospital, I think it’s right that we explore whether Lothian Bus can accommodate free travel for families in this situation to make a small difference to those whose lives have been turned upside down by illness.”
The motion will be discussed at the full council meeting early in February. The papers will appear here.
