Costs of meals and parking for parents of hospitalised children in Australia

Abstract

Background: The aim of this investigation was to examine the cost of parents' food and parking during a child's admission to two paediatric health facilities in a capital city in Australia and to make recommendations to alleviate the cost of admission.

Methods: A survey was undertaken of hospital facilities and food outlets, recording the type and cost of food available, opening times of the facilities and parking costs.

Results: Costs for food and parking for one accompanying parent can exceed A$200 per week. At one hospital no full meals were available. For parents of children admitted for long periods or those on low incomes and/or social security benefits, this would be a large proportion of their weekly income.

Recommendations: Funding to paediatric hospitals should include meals for parents, especially breastfeeding mothers. Access to staff canteens would afford parents the opportunity to eat proper meals. Parking for parents should be free.