A CHARITY supporting families with life threatened and terminally ill children in the region says it saves public services at least £2m a year.

A report by Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity states that despite vast saving to the health and social care system it only receives three per cent of its funding from the state– enough to fund only 11 days of support. Rainbow Trust supports more than 2,000 families and saves public money in various ways from ensuring NHS appointments are not missed to helping families manage a child’s condition at home, freeing up hospital beds.

It calls on health minister David Mowat to ensure all elements of children’s palliative care are eligible for ring-fenced state funding so support such as bereavement and emotional help and support for siblings are no longer ‘neglected’. Fiona Smith, Royal College of Nursing professional lead for children and young people’s nursing, added: “The Government needs to recognise the importance of social palliative care for children and families and ensure that it is accessible for all who need it.”