Keeping close to Maeva
When baby Maeva was just one month old, she was admitted to the Royal Hospital for Children in Edinburgh with severe laryngomalacia and feeding difficulties. For Maeva’s parents, Beth and Shaun, what followed was an incredibly difficult and uncertain time.
Maeva spent nine weeks in hospital, including six weeks in critical care and a further three weeks on Dalhousie ward. During that time, Maeva underwent surgery and multiple airway assessments and needed CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) ventilation as well as support from a feeding tube.
Being close to Maeva throughout this period meant everything to Beth and Shaun and that’s where our team at Ronald McDonald House Edinburgh were able to help.
A home when it mattered most
Staying at our Edinburgh House allowed the whole family to remain together, just moments away from the hospital.
“Staying in the Edinburgh House was genuinely a lifesaver for me in terms of being under the same roof as Maeve when she was critically ill. I would not have been able to cope with not being near her,” says Beth.
As well as being close to Maeva, the accommodation meant Beth, Shaun and Maeve’s two older brothers Sonny & Corey, could still spend precious time together as a family.
“The House became a space we could spend time with our two boys whilst still being close to Maeva. It really was a massive part of our journey.”
The little things that made a big difference
During their stay, the family made full use of the facilities and support available at the House, helping to bring a sense of normality at a time when very little felt normal.
The grab-and-go corner proved invaluable.
“Being able to grab toiletries, sanitary products and little things for the kids was so helpful. These things are last on your mind when your child is ill in hospital, so having them there when you need them makes such a difference.”
It was the small, thoughtful touches that stood out most. One memory that stays with the family is the boys choosing dinosaur egg bath bombs to take home as a gift from Maeva.
“They loved being able to choose one and take it home. It felt really special.”
A place to feel safe and supported
From the playroom to the communal areas, the House provided a safe, welcoming environment where the whole family could spend time together and take a break from the hospital ward.
“The staff were always so friendly and welcoming. We always felt safe and comfortable.”
The family also found comfort in connecting with others going through similar experiences.
“We made friends and chatted with other families who understood what we were going through.”
Everyday essentials such as access to a kitchen and washing facilities helped make life more manageable during a terrifying time.
“All the home comforts that you take for granted until you really miss them, made the Edinburgh House feel like a second home – and that was so important for us as a family.”
Looking ahead
After nine long weeks, Maeva was finally well enough to go home, marking a hugely emotional milestone for the whole family. Maeve’s medical journey is ongoing and the support they receive from our Edinburgh House team remains hugely important to them.
“The House and its team will continue to play an important role in our lives as parents of a child who still needs ongoing hospital support. While that journey can feel daunting, it is so reassuring to know there will always be a place for us and our family at the Edinburgh House. They truly are lifesavers.”
For Beth and family, the House was more than just a place to stay. It was somewhere to feel supported, to stay together, and to hold on to moments of normal family life when they were needed most.