A new facility is aiming to take some of the stress off of local parents with sick children.
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has officially opened its family room at Mackay Hospital.
RMHC North Australia CEO 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 says.
For local parents like Amy Forrester, the new family room is set to make a real difference. Juliet, Ms Forrester’s daughter, was born with a rare genetic condition.
“Juliet has spent quite a bit of time at the Mackay Base Hospital. Having the family room at Mackay will make a massive difference for families,” Ms Forrester says.
Paula Foley, MHHS’ interim chief executive, is thrilled that the official opening 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 says.
“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.
“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.”
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 says.
“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. 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.”
