15 December, 2011
Media Release
For Immediate Release
Ronald McDonald Family Room approved for Southland Hospital
New onsite haven to support families of children receiving treatment
An onsite haven for families with sick children at Southland Hospital has been approved, in an exciting new partnership
that will be of huge benefit to the local community.
Southern District Health Board (Southern DHB) has given the green light for providing a Ronald McDonald Family Room
inside the hospital grounds, which will be funded by the Ronald McDonald House South Island Trust (RMH South Island
Trust).
Once established, Southern DHB and RMH South Island Trust will share some of the running costs.
The facility is designed so that parents can step away from the traditional hospital environment, and achieve some
much-needed respite.
Featuring up to four overnight bedrooms, along with bathroom, living, kitchen and dining facilities, the Family Room
will provide an area of rest and relaxation that is only moments away from their sick child’s bedside.
“We are absolutely thrilled about this new partnership with Southern District Health Board,” says RMH South Island Trust
General Manager Emma Jones.
“Having a child in hospital is enormously draining and stressful - both physically and emotionally. The Ronald McDonald
Family Room will allow parents to take a shower, grab some sleep, make a meal or simply take some time out away from the
ward.
“This new facility will provide invaluable support to the local community. It will be situated only a short walk from
the children’s ward, giving adults a place to gain strength and fully focus on their child’s recovery.”
Design and specifications of the facility are still to be confirmed.
Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are already established in Auckland’s Starship Hospital and Wellington Hospital. There are
currently 173 Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in 19 countries and regions worldwide.
RMH South Island Trust also operates Ronald McDonald House South Island, which provides free accommodation and support
to families that need to travel to Christchurch for their child’s hospital treatment.
Since opening in 2003, the Trust has provided over 75,000 nights of accommodation to more than 4,000 families from all
over New Zealand.
ends