Going to a hospital, often some distance from home, can be a frightening experience for a child, so it is important that they have their families close by for love and comfort, and to help them in their recovery.
Ronald McDonald House Charities provide free ‘home away from home’ accommodation and support at specialist children’s hospitals across the country, and has just completed a purpose-built, 59 bedroom facility near the St Thomas’ Hospital site where Evelina London is located.
Families can stay free of charge, close to their children, for as long as they need, with some staying months and even years.
Evelin
a London has many specialist services – including a recently expanded Neonatal Unit – which treat children living throughout London, Southeast England and beyond.
It is estimated that the new House will accommodate around 975 families a year.
Jon Haward, Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities, says: “We are delighted that our flagship House is now ready for families. It was an ambitious project and we and our partners have worked long and hard to bring it to fruition. Demand is acute for our services all over the country and we are pleased to be able to provide our support to one of the leading children’s specialist hospitals in London. Having a place to unwind away from the hospital makes a big difference to families at a stressful time, as well as easing the significant financial challenge of finding somewhere to stay close to their sick child”
