Hospital Visiting

[davidmarsden]

my daughter had a premature born baby girl on june 3.she has been in hospital since but has to leave on saturday leaving the baby in intensive care
(still only 2lb. weight) she intends to visit hoapital every day (44 mile round trip) my question is: since she is on esa non cont. benefit.is she able to claim anything towards cost of her travel to hospital.

[Mamyalynne]

It is certainly worth her enquiring David.


I hope Baby continues to thrive and the happy family is soon reunited at home.

[Peter Pedant]

yes I am pretty sure so
she should ask at the ward, staff nurse or sister
or at PALS in the hospital

I am surprised this hasn't been covered by the nursing staff, as in " this is a 44 m return journey how are you going to do it ? "

I am surprised someone on benefits doesnt know exactly what she is entitled to, now there is an extra mouth to feed, and where to apply.


Actually on another subject - I was approached in a children's hospital car park by an English speaker who wanted the train fare to Derby...
I said you are miles away from the railway station, go back to the ward where your child is admitted and...[see above]

Oh, said she, my child isnt a patient here.

I am sorry you are gonna have to beg elsewhere said I.

[story triggered by the question , how do I get the travel fare....]


a grandchild David, how exciting !

[EcclesCake]

If I've read it correctly the answer is no, however your daughter may be eligible for a Discretionary Care Grant through her local council.

Good luck.

[EcclesCake]

Sorry I forgot the link

http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcosts/pages/Travelcosts.aspx

[murraymints]

Usually travel costs are only met if you are the patient....ask in hospital if there is any transport help...

[aelmpvw]

^^^ asking for a handout in a children's hospital car park where people probably have a lot on their mind was probably a deliberate ploy or is that just my cynicism?

[black_cat51]

has she started applying for child benefit for the baby yet? Could she use that money to go and visit? What about the dad - is he going to be able to visit? Is there a bus that goes there? could you help her out, or friends drop her off at the beginning of the day and pick her up at the end of the day? have you a community voluntary transport scheme nearby?
I feel for her my friend was in the same position - around a 40 mile round trip to the hospital, husband went back to work, she'd had a c section so couldn't drive. She got by with a mixture of the above - community transport to take her in then the husband came after he'd finished work to see the baby and take her home, Then one day she caught 2 busses, then one day a friend dropped her off at the hospital, then her parents came from a different part of the country to stay and ferry her for a bit

[black_cat51]

ps if she's on non-contribution esa, i think it's unlikely she'll get help with costs and as she isn't the patient. Where my friend was they had some sort of volunteer people as well who tried to help out

[davidmarsden]

thanks for all the answers. i have found out that each individual hospital has the power to say yes or no because although assistance is not given to visitors,there is a loophole to allow for a mother to visit a prem. baby.
(from NHS patient helpline)
thanks again
david

[cupotee2]

Excellent news davidmarsdon. Having a prem baby via c section is tough enough without all the long hours spent travelling to visit the new baby.

I know from a recent family experience it isn't just a visit the new Mum does but hands on caring and feeding baby during that time.

Good luck with the new baby. I hope its progresses well and is home soon.

[davidmarsden]

further to my question on 11 june. i should have explained that my grandaughter is in shrewsbury hospital,my wife is in telford hospital with
c.o.p.d. and i have recently had prostate cancer hence the problem with transport.we are all doing ok now so thanks for the good wishes.
council are giving a grant for transport.