Overview

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

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 current support mechanisms for parents of children with prolonged hospital stays and analyze the potential consequences of introducing additional financial support.

Report Content:

The report will assess the sufficiency of existing policies and legislation. It will also analyze the likely effects on both parents and children if additional financial support were provided.

Consultation:

In preparing the report, the Secretary of State must consult with parents of children who have experienced extended hospital stays, healthcare professionals, and relevant charities and civil society organizations.

Geographic Scope and Commencement:

The Act applies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and comes into force upon its passage.

Government Spending

This bill does not directly allocate funds. It requires a report assessing the potential costs of providing financial support, but doesn't commit to any specific spending.

Groups Affected

The bill directly impacts:

• Parents of children with extended hospital stays: They could potentially receive financial support, depending on the report's findings.
• Healthcare professionals: They will be consulted for their expertise on the issue.
• Charities and civil society organizations: These groups supporting families facing similar circumstances will be consulted and may be involved in delivering support.
• The UK Government: They will be responsible for creating and presenting the report and subsequently deciding on the recommendations.

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