Mayo families to benefit from removal of hospital charges for children

The financial burden of children’s healthcare will be reduced for families across County Mayo with the slashing of overnight and in-patient hospital charges, Deputy Alan Dillon has stated.

The government has approved legislation which will remove the existing statutory in-patient charge of €80 per night for all children under-16 years old across public hospitals.

Deputy Dillon said: "The government is focusing on reducing the burden on families with children in hospital, as we know there are huge logistical and financial costs for many parents.

"Having a child in hospital is traumatic and difficult both for the patient and their families, but we’re working hard to implement positive changes to help in these situations.

“The removal of hospital charges for all under-16 year olds will be a massive financial relief for parents across County Mayo.

"This change, when implemented, will mean that cost should not be a major consideration for anyone when young people need medical care.

“Ultimately, this legislation will result in easier access, affordability and better quality for healthcare for our children across Mayo.

“We have been listening to parents of children in hospital and we’ve been campaigning for a number of supports to help these families - better coordination of hospital appointments, increased welfare supports.

"These also include the reform of the Care Allowance, which was recently introduced by my colleague Minister Heather Humphreys, as well as this announcement of the removal of hospital charges.

“Our work is by no means over, and we will continue to work hard for parents with children in hospital.

"However, this new legislation is evidence that the government is removing barriers and reducing costs to ensure the best possible healthcare for our children," he added.