LOCAL MSP Kenneth Gibson has praised a new Neonatal Expenses Fund, which became available at the start of this month.

The £1.5 fund, set up by the Scottish Government, is available to all parents to support them to spend as much time with their babies as possible, while they are receiving care within a neonatal unit.

The fund will help parents of premature and sick new-born babies meet the additional costs they face because of their baby being in hospital.

It will also help more than 8,000 families a year with travelling, parking and subsistence costs.

Mr Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, said: “Having children is a wonderful thing, but can also be challenging and difficult to plan for.

“Parents who are immediately confronted with the heartbreak of having to leave their new-born in the hospital due to sickness, is difficult enough in itself. Add the practical and financial implications of unforeseen circumstances to this and it all becomes extremely challenging.

“The Neonatal Expenses Fund is there to provide a contribution towards the expenses of having a new-born in hospital. North Ayrshire families will be able to claim for travel costs of one return journey, parking - if unable to park free in hospital grounds - and up to £8.50 in subsistence costs per day via NHS Ayrshire and Arran, for the duration of their baby’s stay in the neonatal unit.

“These costs can be a worry for parents with a new-born who may not be ok. Giving them one less thing to worry about means this fund will make a difference to the lives of those who need it.”