Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood has called on the Northern Ireland Health Minister to establish a Child Cancer Travel Fund for local patients, following a recent announcement by the UK Government. On October 24, 2023, Health Secretary Wes Streeting revealed a new fund aimed at supporting children and young people with cancer in England. This initiative will provide £10 million annually to assist families with travel costs associated with cancer care.
In response to the announcement, Eastwood reached out to Mike Nesbitt, the Northern Ireland Health Minister, urging him to adopt a similar approach. “From day one in Parliament, I’ve been fighting for children, young people, and families going through cancer treatment,” Eastwood stated. She expressed her satisfaction with the UK Government’s initiative but emphasized that it currently excludes Northern Ireland. “I’m fighting hard to make sure Northern Ireland gets the same support, not just funds allocated elsewhere,” she added.
The call for a travel fund has gained further traction from the Powered by Poppy campaign, founded by parents Sharon and Mark Ogle in memory of their daughter, Poppy Ogle, who passed away in 2022 after a prolonged battle with cancer. The campaign echoed Eastwood’s sentiments, highlighting the financial burden families face in Northern Ireland, where travel costs can be substantial due to the location of the only children’s cancer unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC). “We have met families from Fermanagh, Limavady, and Derry/Londonderry. The cost of travel for these families would be huge,” they stated on their Facebook page.
Despite these appeals, the Northern Ireland Department of Health has confirmed that it is unable to introduce a similar travel fund, citing a “significant deficit” in its budget. A spokesperson noted that while the Department acknowledges the financial strain on families, it cannot extend further financial assistance at this time. The spokesperson stated, “The Help with Health Costs (HwHC) scheme provides individuals and their dependants with help for travel costs associated with medical treatment on referral from a doctor or dentist. This scheme is primarily open to low-income individuals.”
The Department also mentioned existing policies that offer guidance on free and concessionary parking for cancer patients, but these measures alone may not suffice to alleviate the financial pressures faced by families. The spokesperson encouraged those affected by travel costs related to cancer treatment to discuss their situations with healthcare providers.
As the call for a dedicated fund continues, Eastwood remains resolute in her advocacy, stating, “I will keep fighting until our children get what they need.” The situation highlights the disparities in healthcare support across the UK, raising questions about equal treatment for all children facing cancer, regardless of their location.
