Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance has welcomed new figures showing that 2,216 families across NHS Lothian received financial support while their children were in hospital during 2025/26.
Through the Young Patients Family Fund (YPFF), the Scottish Government provided £532,535 to families across the NHS Lothian area to help with the costs of visiting children during a hospital stay.
Fund covers essential expenses
The fund helps parents, primary carers and siblings under the age of 18 with essential expenses including travel, meals and accommodation when a child is receiving inpatient care.
Introduced by the SNP Scottish Government in 2021, the scheme is unique to Scotland and has supported thousands of families facing the challenges of having a child in hospital.
MSP's comments
Commenting, Angela said: “Having a child in hospital is something no family ever wants to experience, and the last thing parents should have to worry about is how they will afford to be by their child’s side.
“I’m pleased that 2,216 families across NHS Lothian have benefited from the Young Patients Family Fund over the past year, with more than £532,000 helping to cover the costs of travel, food and accommodation.
“This practical support allows families to spend more time with their children when they need them most. It is a policy unique to Scotland and one that reflects our commitment to supporting families through life’s most difficult moments.
“Alongside measures such as the Baby Box, funded early learning and childcare, and the expansion of free breakfast clubs, this is another example of the SNP Scottish Government taking practical action to make Scotland the best place to grow up and raise a family.”
