Family
Rooms

Take a break, relax and unwind

"Until you've been there, you can't imagine what it's like, and a room like this, with kitchen, laundry and relaxing facilities - even a bedroom - will be so appreciated."
Wendy, mother of 12-year-old Andrew, who is being treated for cancer at The John Hunter Hospital, Newcastle, NSW.

Our Ronald McDonald® Family Room program gives families visiting a sick child a comfortable haven where they can take a break and relax during their visit. Here, we are able to offer a welcoming environment for the family, with the space and facilities to make everyday life caring for a sick child just that little bit easier. We currently have seven Family Rooms in Australia, and we have plans to open more than 14 in the coming years.

There are currently seven family rooms in Australia:

Princess Margaret Hospital, Perth - 06/06/09

RMHC was proud to officially open the first Ronald McDonald Family Room on the Oncology Ward at Princess Margaret Hospital in 1997. This Family Room services the families who children are currently undergoing treatment for cancer and leukaemia and offers 3 overnight rooms, a lounge area, kitchenette, bathroom and internet access. The Volunteers take on a range of tasks – from general cleaning and tidying up, to baking muffins and just being around in the room to make the parents a cup of coffee and being there to have a chat.

For more information about this Family Room, please contact:

Courtney Kennedy
Operations Manager
Ronald McDonald House Perth
20 York Street Subiaco, WA 6008
Tel: (08) 9346 900
Email: Courtney@rmhwa.com.au

John Hunter Hospital Newcastle

The Ronald McDonald Family Room was opened on the 13th of December 2003. The second Family Room to open. RMHC provided $100,000 towards setting it up. The opening hours are week days 8am – 9pm and 9am-6pm on weekends. We have over 800 families per month using the Family Room. For more information about The Family Room, Volunteering or Fundraising, please email newinfo@rmhnnsw.org.au.

To take a virtual tour please click here.

Canberra Hospital, Canberra - 06/06/09

RMHC contributed $300,000 towards its development and it opened in 2005 and provides overnight accommodation for four families as well as communal facilities such as kitchen, laundry and lounge area.

Wodonga Hospital, Wodonga - 09/03/10

RMHC was delighted to open their latest Family Room at Wodonga. This room will support the Special Care Nursery at the Wodonga Hospital and is also in close proximity to the maternity ward making it a perfect haven for new mums. RMHC is very proud of this beautiful facility which will greatly help local and regional families.

Maureen Nicholls
Program Coordinator
Ronald McDonald Family Room
Wodonga Hospital
P O Box 156 Wodonga 3690 Vic
maureen.nicholls@rmcdparkville.org.au

PEEL Health Campus in WA

The Ronald McDonald Family Room was opened on the the Sarich Wing at the Peel Health Campus in June 2010. Providing the homely comforts of a Family Room, this room offers an area for parents, families and carers to retreat to whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and reading the paper whilst their child can play in the playroom which is fully equipped with all the latest toys, or enjoy some fresh air whilst playing in the outdoor playground. The Ronald McDonald Family Room was opened on the the Sarich Wing at the Peel Health Campus in June 2010. Providing the homely comforts of a Family Room, this room offers an area for parents, families and carers to retreat to whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and reading the paper whilst their child can play in the playroom which is fully equipped with all the latest toys, or enjoy some fresh air whilst playing in the outdoor playground.
For more information about the Family Rooms in Perth, please contact:

Courtney Kennedy
Operations Manager
Ronald McDonald House Perth
20 York Street Subiaco, WA 6008
Tel: (08) 9346 900
Email: Courtney@rmhwa.com.au

Monash Children’s Hospital in VIC


The Ronald McDonald Family Room Monash Children’s at Southern Health provides a place of retreat and respite for families and carers of seriously ill and injured children who are being treated at Monash Children’s, encompassing 41 & 42 North Paediatric services, Children’s Oncology Centre, Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), Paediatric Outpatients, Accident and Emergency Paediatric and Newborn Services patients areas.

Designed for the maximum comfort families and carers are able to take time out, refresh and are able to care for each other away from the bed side and clinical environment in the busy hospital setting. The Family Room has been developed in recognition of the support required by families and carers in a time of crisis when a child is seriously ill.

Features of the Family Room include: Kitchen/dining area, Laundry, Lounge areas, Quiet nap room with recliners, Showers and toilet facilities, Volunteer station with desk and computer, Computers and Wireless internet.

Our model of care aligns with the vision of Ronald McDonald House Monash and the desire of Southern Health to provide a comprehensive and holistic care to patients, families and carers. A place to go when you cannot go Home.

Gosford Hospital, Gosford, Central Coast of NSW

Opening the doors in January 2013, the Family Room at Gosford Hospital is one of Ronald McDonald House Northern NSW’s programs to increase the support offered to families within our region. Located on the Central Coast of NSW, Gosford Hospital services approx. 1854 sq km’s and has one of the fastest population growths in the state, making it a priority area for assistance. The Family Room is open to any family with a child in or outpatient at the Gosford Hospital including the Regional Cancer Centre and busy maternity ward. The hospital sees around 2600 births per year. The onsite Family Room Coordinator manages a team of volunteers to operate and give 7 day access for families 8am – 9pm Monday – Friday and 9am – 6pm on weekends. Located next to the Children’s Ward, it is a warm and welcoming environment offering a kitchen, laundry, bathroom, and lounge area.

For more information or to inquire about volunteering contact:
Lynda King
Family Room Coordinator Ronald McDonald Family Room Gosford
P.02 43205617
E. gosinfo@rmhnnsw.org.au