Renfrewshire North and Cardonald MSP Michelle Campbell has welcomed new Scottish Government figures showing that 3,257 families across the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde area received financial support while their children were in hospital during the 2025/26 financial year.
The figures show the Young Patients Family Fund provided £1,722,103 to families across the health board area during the year. The fund helps parents, primary carers and siblings under the age of 18 with travel, food and accommodation costs when visiting a child in hospital.
The scheme was launched by the Scottish Government in 2021.
According to the figures, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recorded 3,440 claims, supporting 3,257 families and providing £1,722,103 in funding during 2025/26.
Michelle Campbell MSP said: “This money makes a real difference to families in what can be a very difficult time so it’s great to see that the Young Patients Family Fund has supported 3,257 families in Greater Glasgow and Clyde over the last year.
“That cash support is vital in helping patients visit their children in hospital, giving that extra bit of support for families in their time of need – this policy is unique to Scotland, having been in place for five years now, and I am proud that we’ve taken the decision to step in here.
“We know that any time in hospital can be stressful for children and their family, so it is absolutely right that we try to relieve some of that difficulty for families not just here in Renfrewshire North and Cardonald, but across Scotland.
“Whether its 1,140 hours of free childcare, expanding breakfast clubs, the baby box, or the Young Patients Family Fund, the SNP is committed to ensuring Scotland is the very best place to raise a family.”