Current status: Answered by Jenni Minto on 16 October 2025
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on allowing children and young people from rural areas who have cancer and must travel significant distances for day care and treatment, and who are currently excluded from accessing the Young Patients Family Fund, to access this Fund to support their travel costs.
The Scottish Government recognises the significant challenges faced by children and young people with cancer, particularly those living in rural and island areas. We are committed to ensuring equitable access to healthcare and support for all patients, regardless of geography.
While there are currently no plans to expand the eligibility criteria for the Young Patients Family Fund, which is designed to support families of young inpatients, additional support is available through NHS Boards’ patient travel reimbursement schemes. Boards have the flexibility to consider individual circumstances and make decision in the best interests of patient care and wellbeing.
These schemes provide financial assistance for eligible patients and authorised escorts, including for outpatient appointments and day treatments, and apply to travel both within and outside Scotland. All eligible patients aged 16 and under automatically qualify for an escort.