Barbara has criticised the Conservative Government for failing to provide adequate NHS funding for vital palliative care for seriously ill children.

Barbara called on the Government to take action after a survey carried out by the charity, Together for Short Lives, found that 4 out of 5 local authorities are failing to plan and fund care for children and people with life-shortening conditions. She recently raised the issue in Parliament and said that Conservative Government cuts were making it harder to provide the palliative care and support services that children and their families need.

Barbara called on the Government to develop a sustainable funding system which can provide a fully integrated service for families at all stages of their child’s illness.

Barbara said:

“I recently met a parent carer from Worsley and Eccles South who receives support from the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity to help her to care for her seriously ill child. The charity supports families with children who have a life-threatening or terminal illness. Across Salford nine families rely on the Rainbow Trust for vital practical and emotional support.

“The parent carer talked to me about the challenges of raising 4-year old twins one of whom has often been seriously ill. She also told me how she has had to fight for everything that her child needs and that the support she receives from the Rainbow Trust makes a real difference to her life. With the help of her family support worker she is more able to cope with caring for her daughters.

“It is deeply concerning to hear that many children across England with life-shortening or life-threatening conditions are not able to access vital palliative care. Conservative Government cuts are making it harder for local authorities and charities to fund these invaluable services. The Government must take urgent action to ensure that families with seriously ill children are able to receive this vital support.”