Overview

This bill mandates the UK Secretary of State to produce a report to Parliament assessing the benefits of providing financial support to parents whose children require extended hospital stays. The report will examine existing support and the potential impact of additional financial aid.

Description

The Children in Hospital for Extended Periods (Report to Parliament) Bill requires the Secretary of State to submit a report to Parliament within six months of the bill's passage. This report must evaluate:

• The effectiveness of current policies and laws supporting parents of hospitalized children.
• The likely consequences for both parents and children of introducing extra financial assistance.

In preparing this report, the Secretary of State must consult with:

• Parents of children who have experienced extended hospital stays.
• Healthcare professionals.
• Charities and organizations that support families of hospitalized children.

The bill applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and takes effect upon passage.

Government Spending

This bill does not directly allocate any funds. The report will assess the potential cost of providing financial support, but no commitment to funding is made within the bill itself.

Groups Affected

• Parents of children with extended hospital stays: May benefit from increased financial support if the report recommends it and subsequent legislation provides for such support.
• Healthcare professionals: Will be consulted for their expertise in assessing the needs of families and the potential impact of financial aid.
• Charities and support organizations: Will be involved in informing the report, providing insight into existing services and needs.
• UK Government: Will be responsible for producing the report and may face increased financial expenditure depending on the report's recommendations and subsequent government decisions.

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