When a child is seriously ill or injured, families do not just visit them in hospital. They want to stay close, informed and involved in their child’s care. Ronald McDonald House UK exists to make that possible.
They are an independent charity and have been supporting families in the UK since 1989. In that time, they have helped more than 100,000 families stay close to their child when they need it most.
What the charity does
Ronald McDonald House UK provides free accommodation just minutes from children’s hospital wards, so families can stay together for weeks, months or, when needed, even years.
The Houses are more than somewhere to sleep. They are places where families can:
- Rest and recover after long days and nights on the ward
- Cook meals, wash clothes and maintain everyday routines
- Have privacy, dignity and space during an overwhelming time
- Spend time with others who understand what it is like to have a child in hospital
Each family staying overnight has their own private ensuite room, offering comfort, independence and a sense of control. Shared spaces provide warmth, understanding and connection.
Ronald McDonald House UK also support families who are not staying over night by providing Day and Medical Passes. These give families access to kitchens, lounges and respite spaces and allow children to spend precious time with family away from the ward, where clinically appropriate
With the support of donors and partners, Ronald McDonald House UK helps families stay close to their child for as long as they need to.
