When my newborn baby was critically ill and rushed to the intensive care unit, my world fell apart. I spent countless hours by their bedside, wishing I could be there every moment without the added stress of securing accommodation. In such distressing times, a parent's place is with their child, offering comfort and love that is crucial for the child’s recovery.

Unfortunately, for families across Lancashire, Cumbria, and the entire Northwest, the reality is starkly different. Our region, despite its vastness and the number of critically ill children requiring intensive care, lacks sufficient family accommodation near hospitals. The nearest third-sector family accommodation options, like Ronald McDonald Houses, are limited and often too far from where they're needed most—leaving families with the impossible choice between staying with their child and coping with financial strain from temporary housing.

Imagine the emotional toll of being separated during such a critical time. It is not only about financial hardship; it's about the anxiety and helplessness a parent feels when they are physically removed from the very place they need to be. Research consistently shows that family presence in hospitals not only supports better health outcomes for children but also aids in quicker recoveries.

Therefore, we urge NHS England Northwest, the Department of Health and Social Care, and Regional Healthcare Commissioners to prioritize the establishment of adequate, accessible family accommodations adjacent to pediatric intensive care units. By partnering with local charities, leveraging regional resources, and allocating necessary funds, we can ensure that no family in our community faces the choice between separation and financial hardship.

Let's stand together to call for immediate action, so parents across our region can remain close to their loved ones in their greatest time of need. Your signature on this petition will send a powerful message to decision-makers that family presence is essential to healing and that we must support families during these challenging times.

Sign and share this petition to advocate for a change that will bring much-needed comfort, stability, and love to families during their most trying moments.