A Home Away From Home

Ronald McDonald Family Room Officially Opened

Last Thursday marked a momentous milestone for Mackay and district families, the Official Opening Ceremony for the Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital.

It’s only the second Ronald McDonald Family Room to be opened in North Australia, with the other located in Townsville.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) North Australia board member Paul Rissman said the family room supports families with seriously ill children and is designed to support local families through their child’s medical journey.

“We know children recover quicker when their families are close by, we know families cope better when they are in a warm and friendly environment,” Mr Rissman said.

“Families are stronger together.

“Whether it’s a break from the clinical environment in the hospital, a good night’s rest or nap, a sense of normalcy to sit with a coffee or to freshen up with a shower. Families can do this mere steps away from their child’s bedside at no cost to them.”

RMHC North Australia Chief Executive Officer, Tamara South, is deeply grateful to the local community for their support.

“The local Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday communities are incredibly generous. Thanks to the community, and our partners, Mackay Hospital and Health Service (MHHS) and Mackay Hospital Foundation (MHF), we have been able to bring this much-needed practical care program to the Mackay region,” Ms South explained.

For local parents like Amy Forrester, the new Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital is set to make a real difference. Juliet, Ms Forrester’s daughter, was born with a rare genetic condition.

“I’m mum to Kool Kid Juliet, Kool Kid is a nickname given to children born with Koolen-de Vries syndrome,” explained Ms Forrester.

“It occurs when there is a deletion in chromosome 17 and the KANSL1 gene is missing or mutated. For Juliet, this meant she was born with severe hip dysplasia, resulting in multiple hip surgeries before she was two.

“She was born with three heart defects, global developmental delay, feeding and breathing difficulties, scoliosis, brittle bones and epilepsy.

“As a family we have spent a lot of time in and out of hospitals and Juliet has spent quite a bit of time at the Mackay Base Hospital. Without the Ronald McDonald House Charities, I do not know how we would have coped. The Ronald McDonald Family room in Townsville has been a saviour very recently.

“When Juliet was flown to Townsville with severe pneumonia, it can be very hard and very depressing to spend weeks or months in a hospital room. A family room provides a place to escape so the family can share a meal, or even get washing done without having to be very far from your sick child.

“Having the Family Room at Mackay will make a massive difference for families,” Ms Forrester said.

Paula Foley, MHHS’ interim Chief Executive, is thrilled that the Official Opening of the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Mackay has arrived.

“The Ronald McDonald Family Room will make a great difference to so many families who are being supported by Mackay Base Hospital’s Child and Adolescent Unit and Special Care Nursery,” Ms Foley said.

“For our youngest patients and their families, who often come from our regional and rural communities, travelling to Mackay Base Hospital for a range of appointments, tests and treatment can be exhausting.

“The Ronald McDonald Family Room will provide a space where these families, who are going through a very tough time, can relax away from hospital wards and spend time together as a family. The Ronald McDonald Family Room will be a refuge that will make their stay a little less daunting and a little more comfortable,” Ms Foley said.

“Mackay HHS is also very grateful for the great support this project has received from Flagon & Dragon, Mackay Hospital Foundation and of course RMHC North Australia. We extend a heartfelt thank you for coordinating the community fundraising campaign and making this project possible.

“The Mackay community has advocated and have continuously engaged with this project and without the support from the community this would not have been achievable. As a nurse and a psychologist myself, it means the world to see that families have the best care possible and to have the care in a home type environment.”

Peter Tait, Chair at MHF, is proud to see this vital facility for local families finally available.

“The RMHC North Australia board and staff have worked tirelessly over many years planning, fundraising, constructing, and now delivering the Family Room to Mackay,” Mr Tait explained.

“This Family Room will provide an excellent new service in Mackay comforting and supporting families with children admitted to the hospital, especially for those travelling from regional areas.

“It’s a stressful time when your child’s not well. This facility will be great so the parents and siblings can relax and have a break here at the family room so that stress is lessened in the presence of the child who is unwell.

“I also acknowledge the contribution of MHHS, especially their staff in supporting the development of this new service at the hospital and local company, and Fergus Builders, for their support constructing the Family Room.

Amy Forrester and daughter Juliet. Photo credit: Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Mackay Base Hospital is now operational