THE financial burden of children’s healthcare will be reduced for Limerick families with the removal of overnight and in-patient hospital charges for young people under sixteen years of age.
This follows Government approval of legislation which will remove the existing statutory in-patient charge of €80 a night in public hospitals.
Limerick Fine Gael TD Kieran O’Donnell said that there are huge logistical and financial costs for many parents with children in hospital.
“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 Limerick and the Mid-West. This 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,” Deputy O’Donnell added.
