FAMILIES from regional, rural and remote NSW with seriously ill children will benefit from new facilities at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead that can provide overnight accommodation for up to 10 families at a time.
The accommodation is located on Level 9 of the new 14-storey Paediatric Services Building, close to the cardiac and critical care inpatient units.
The new accommodation provides:
- Overnight accommodation for up to 10 families,
- Kitchen facilities for preparing meals, as well as grab and go meals for families,
- Communal spaces including a living room, dining area, and outdoor terrace,
- Laundry amenities,
- Wrap-around support services including counselling and mental health support.
The new facility was delivered by Ronald McDonald House in conjunction with the NSW Government and its rollout was designed to complement the $659.1 million Stage 2 Redevelopment of The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney received funding contributions for the Family Accommodation of $750,000, including $250,000 from NSW Health, matched by the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, and a further $250,000 through the NSW Community Infrastructure Grants program.
“For families travelling from regional, rural and remote communities, we know that having a safe and comfortable place to stay can make an enormous difference while they’re accessing treatment,” said Ryan Park, Minister for Health.
“This new accommodation not only reduces the burden of travel and accommodation costs, but is a home away from home for families experiencing an already challenging time.”
The CEO of Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney, Claire Barber, said the Family Accommodation facility was not a luxury; it was essential.
“Keeping families close to their child while they receive hospital care is not a nice-to-have, it is a critical part of healthcare that contributes to better outcomes for children and their families,” Ms Barber said.
“The new Ronald McDonald House Family Accommodation will provide vital support, comfort and stability for more families with seriously ill children.”
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
