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UK: Airbnb.org has launched its Medical Stays programme in the UK for patients and their families who are forced to travel for medical care.
The programme will dedicate £1 million toward free temporary accommodation for UK families in need over the next few years. Through Airbnb.org, eligible families will be offered accommodations near hospitals at no cost.
This responds to an urgent challenge in the UK, where patients and families travel an average of 105 miles each way for specialist medical care, and spend an average of £1,240 a year.
Research from Airbnb reveals that, to cover the cost of travel for medical care, 37% of UK adults surveyed had to use their savings, 24% used a credit card, and 11% turned to friends or family members for support. The research also shows that more than a third of adults who travelled for medical reasons in the past two years said the experience negatively impacted their finances.
Furthermore, the research reveals that the cost and availability of accommodation can impact the time families spend together during treatment and impact their wellbeing. Specifically, over half of respondents (59%) said they spent less time with loved ones than they wanted or returned home earlier than they felt was right, and more than a third (37%) said these barriers prevented someone from being there for them or their loved one at all.
As the need for specialist medical care and the cost of living continues to increase, the programme aims to provide accommodation close to hospitals to support families during this difficult period.
“Airbnb believes everyone deserves a home, and this is especially true when going through some of the hardest moments of life,” said Nathan Blecharczyk, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Airbnb. “No family should have to choose between being there for one another and being able to afford somewhere to stay.”
Airbnb.org has launched this programme with NHS Trusts and local non-profits, including UCLH Charity, University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, NHS Highland Charity, Rooprai Spinal Trust, The Grand Appeal – Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity and Day One Trauma.
Airbnb.org is also working with Make-A-Wish Foundation UK as a gifting partner providing specialised stays for traveling Make-A-Wish families, giving them a place of respite away from hospitals and treatments.
Each partner provides specialised support to families navigating medical treatments, such as logistical assistance, specialist treatment, support for children and emotional care.
“Every day we see families coming through the doors of the hospital who are struggling to cope with their child’s illness and are overwhelmed,” said Pippa Johnston, Deputy CEO, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity. “Adding the financial pressure of having a child in hospital can be their breaking point. That is why we are delighted to announce our new partnership with Airbnb.org, helping support the 500 families who visit the hospital every day to make their stay just a little bit easier.”
For every stay to Airbnb.org, the organisation will donate a portion of its revenue to the programme, helping provide $500 million over the next five years as the nonprofit strives to deliver one million nights of free housing annually. The funding will also support other programmes, including housing for survivors fleeing domestic violence and exploitation.
Highlights:
- Airbnb.org has launched its Medical Stays programme in the UK, committing £1 million over the next few years to provide free temporary accommodation for patients and families who must travel for medical treatment.
- Eligible families will receive free accommodation close to hospitals, helping reduce the financial burden of travelling for specialist medical care. UK patients and their families travel an average of 105 miles each way for specialist treatment and spend an average of £1,240 annually on related costs.
- Research commissioned by Airbnb found that 37% of surveyed UK adults who travelled for medical care used their savings to cover travel costs, while 24% relied on credit cards and 11% sought financial support from friends or family. The research also found that accommodation costs and availability prevented 37% of respondents from having someone with them during medical treatment.
- The programme has partnered with NHS Trusts and charities across the UK, including UCLH Charity, University Hospitals Birmingham Charity, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, NHS Highland Charity, Rooprai Spinal Trust, The Grand Appeal and Day One Trauma. Make-A-Wish Foundation UK will also act as a gifting partner, providing specialised stays for families travelling to fulfil a child’s wish.
- Airbnb.org will fund the programme through contributions from its accommodation stays, as part of a wider commitment to provide $500 million over five years and deliver one million nights of free accommodation annually across its programmes, including support for survivors of domestic violence and exploitation.
