MSP Joins Children's Hospice Association Scotland on Anniversary

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP, Stewart Stevenson has offered his support for Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) during anniversary event.

Mr Stevenson joined members of CHAS at a Parliamentary event to mark the first year anniversary of the publication of Children in Scotland requiring Palliative Care: identifying numbers and needs (ChiSP). The report was co-commissioned by CHAS and the Scottish Government for launch in November 2015.

Stewart Stevenson MSP with CHAS Chief Executive, Maria McGill
and Chairman of Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, Shabir Beg
[Photo Credit: Sandy Young]

The event also provided an opportunity for CHAS to welcome the Scottish Government’s recent pledge to provide approximately £30 million in funding over the next five years and for CHAS to discuss with key stakeholders how these additional resources will be used to improve lives.

Commenting, Stewart Stevenson MSP said,

“I was proud to join CHAS and to hear about their inspiring work. Palliative care can be one of the most challenging times for families – especially when it’s for a child or baby. It’s absolutely crucial that we support families through these hardships.

“CHAS undertakes incredibly moving work – and now that work will have an even greater impact. I look forward to seeing how they deploy their additional resources and continue to improve the lives of children with life-shortening diagnoses.”

Commenting, Maria McGill, CHAS’ chief executive, said,

“Our research shows that there are many families across Scotland who are not accessing the care they need when their child is dying.

“As Scotland’s national children’s hospice service we want to reach every family who needs us. I am delighted that so many MSPs, partners and families took the time to join us at the Scottish Parliament to discuss how we can meet the needs of the 15,404 babies, children and young people with life-shortening diagnoses in this country.

“Scotland is a world leader in palliative care, and we want to make sure every family receives the support they need, when they need it most. The Scottish Government announcement of increased funding for CHAS is most welcome and will help CHAS do exactly that.”