Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed new figures that show the Scottish Government’s Young Patients Family Fund has helped Shetland families with children in hospital. The fund, which helps parents and carers with the costs of travel and food while their child is receiving inpatient care, is a lifeline for people in the Northern Isles who often have to travel significant distances for specialist medical care. The new figures revealed that in the last year, 343 families in Shetland received a total of £121,660 from the fund.

Ms Roddick has worked closely with charities and families across the Highlands and Islands to highlight the need for continued support for those who have to travel for medical care. The Young Patients Family Fund helps to ease some of the financial burden on families during a difficult time.

Commenting, Ms Roddick said:

“It is really fantastic to see the Young Patients Family Fund making such a difference to families in Shetland. When a child is in hospital, the last thing parents and carers should have to worry about is how they will afford to be by their side. I’ve heard directly from families about the huge challenges and costs involved in travelling for medical appointments, and this fund is a compassionate and practical way to ease that pressure.

“The fact that 343 families in Shetland were supported by this fund last year shows just how essential it is. It’s a great example of the Scottish Government’s commitment to building a fairer Scotland and ensuring that geography is never a barrier to accessing the care you need.

“Representing communities like those in Shetland, I will continue to work hard to ensure that we have the right support in place for families across the Highlands and Islands.”