Hospital travel and stay costs

Stroud2024

Hi I have quite a specific question. My 3 yr old niece has a serious heart condition. She has regular hospital visits in London, and my sister is reimbursed for her travel costs.

However, she has an appointment Friday at 7am. She is only 3 and it's a 3 hour trip there. So my sister has had to book a hotel for tonight. So they only have to get up at 6am and not 3am to get the train on Friday!

We can't find anything online that gives grants or any financial help for over night hotel stays.

Just wondering if there is any chance anyone knows if there's anywhere that can help. Or perhaps get some advice.

Many thanks and fingers crossed! 😊

Ala

I would try to call and ask the hospital. Bit late for today, but they might give you some advice.

Contact the clinic or maybe try the hospital transport?

Elizabeth100

Good morning, I'm sorry for what your family are going through. I've had a quick look at the Disability Rights Handbook and can see nothing about that, as it seems to be more about adults, or what you can claim if you go into hospital.

The experts, I think, are DRUK, Disability Rights UK; perhaps they might have the answer you require; or maybe Citizens Advice Bureau. Take care, E xx

SaraC_Scope

Hi @Stroud2024

This sounds like a very stressful time for you all.

I've included the link to NHS travel cost scheme this has advice and guidance on how to claim costs related to a hospital stay. If need any further help, the NHS recommend you contact PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)

I hope your niece's appointment goes well tomorrow.

@SaraC_Scope

Purplerain1234

You can get g4s transport if you have some medical problems

JW77

I don’t know if this is still the case but as I’ve not been under paediatric care for some years but Guys hospital used to have Ronald Macdonald house for parents

But this was for inpatients mostly not clinics

The clinic should have asked this question in advance though

rubin16

Just to add to the other wonderful advice people have mentioned, but if the hospital is GOSH (Great Ormond Street Hospital) then there is a known thing that black cabs in London don't charge a fare if your going there. Its tradition for them to do it for free.

jae377

Cant speak for London but many hospitals have temp accommodation for parents of sick children . Others will give child a room and let parent sleep on cot in my area.

All hospitals have a finance office who will be able to answer your question re hotel costs etc. accurately. Important as most hospitals are self governing trusts so rules will be hospital specific.

Stroud2024

Thank you all so much honestly means a lot to us.

We're hoping this is the last early morning appointment she has as it was a massive stress for my sister, getting the money together for a hotel.

Results within the next two weeks and they'll decide about heart surgery, just these few comments have really helped us. Such a supportive community means so much.

Thank you xxx