Helping children
Helping children

Support for Parents and Carers

We offer much more than a place to stay. We give you space to cook and share meals together, somewhere to rest between long hours on the ward, and practical support like laundry facilities and everyday essentials.

When life changes suddenly

When a child needs urgent or specialist medical care, a family’s world can change overnight.

Treatment is often far from home, forcing parents, carers and siblings to leave behind familiar routines, support networks and a sense of normality.

What starts as an emergency trip can turn into weeks or even months away from home, with no clear idea of what lies ahead.

At the moment families need stability most, home can feel suddenly out of reach.

That is where we step in.

If your child is being treated at one of our partnered hospitals, your hospital team can refer you to a Ronald McDonald House.  They will guide you through the process and let you know if a room is available. 

Rooms are offered based on need and availability.  If a room is not available straight away, your hospital team will continue to support you and explain your options. 

In some cases, you may still be able to use the House during the day. This is known as a Day Pass. Day passes allow families to spend time in the House even if they are not staying overnight. 

If you think this would help, speak to your hospital team or a member of the House team.

What to expect

We offer much more than a place to stay. We give you space to cook and share meals together, somewhere to rest between long hours on the ward, and practical support like laundry facilities and everyday essentials. You’ll also find understanding from other families who know what this experience is like, and a team there to offer reassurance and support when you need it. 

Everything we provide is designed to care for you and your family while your child is ill or injured, and it’s all just a slipper’s step away from your child’s hospital bed. 

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