asked the Minister for Health the assistance that is made available by her Department to families who have a child suffering from spina bifida and hydrocephalus.
Written Answers. - Disabled Children.
545.
Spina bifida and hydrocephalus are included in the list of long-term illnesses in respect of which the following provisions apply: (a) drugs, medicines and appliances prescribed for the treatment of these conditions may be obtained free of charge without regard to means; (b) hospital in-patient and out-patient services for the treatment of these conditions are provided without charge for children under 16 years of age.
Advice and assistance is also provided by the public health nurse for the district in which the child lives.
A child suffering from these conditions may also be eligible for the constant care allowance. This allowance, which at present is £45 per month, is paid to parents in respect of a child age between two and 16 years who, by reason of mental or physical handicap, requires care and attention substantially greater than that which would normally be required by a child of the same age and sex. This allowance is designed to alleviate in some measure the additional burdens created by the retention of the child in the home.