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Advice for Healthcare Professionals

Our Houses provide free accommodation close to the hospital, helping families stay near their child and remain involved in their care during what can be a very difficult time. 

Supporting families stay close

You may wish to refer a family if they: 

  • live far from the hospital 
  • need to be close to their child for an extended period 
  • are experiencing practical or financial challenges related to travel or accommodation 
  • would benefit from additional support during their child’s treatment 

Referrals are typically prioritised for families with the greatest need. 

How to refer a family 

Referrals must be made by hospital staff. 

Each hospital and House may have a slightly different process, but typically: 

  • a member of the healthcare team completes a referral 
  • the referral is shared with the relevant House 
  • the House team reviews the request based on availability and need 

If you are unsure of the process, the local House team can advise. 

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We work in partnership with NHS hospitals to support families with children receiving treatment. 

Enabling families to stay close supports a more family-centred approach to care. 

This can help: 

  • maintain parental involvement in treatment and decision-making 
  • improve wellbeing for both the child and their family 
  • reduce the impact of long hospital stays 

Room allocation

Each House manages its own room allocation. 

Because demand can be high, rooms are prioritised based on need and availability. 

Decisions are made to ensure that support is provided to families who need it most at any given time. 

What families can expect 

Families staying in a House will have access to: 

  • a private family bedroom 
  • shared kitchens and dining spaces 
  • lounges and quiet areas 
  • laundry facilities 
  • a safe and supportive environment close to the ward 

Stays are free of charge, helping reduce the financial burden on families during treatment. 

Length of stay 

Families can usually stay for the duration of their child’s treatment, depending on need and availability. 

If a room is not available 

If a room is not immediately available, the House team will advise on availability and next steps. 

In some cases, families may still be able to access the House during the day, depending on capacity – this is referred to as a Day Pass. 

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