Ronald McDonald House Wellington

• Anyone who has a child 21 years and under who is undergoing treatment at Wellington Hospital or local Wellington Hospitals is eligible to stay at our Wellington House for the duration of their treatment.
• Usually the House is available for families who live more than 100km away, but sometimes we can help families who live closer.
• The families who stay with us have children with a wide range of illnesses and medical conditions – from cancer to premature babies, to children hurt in accidents or requiring surgery.
• Accommodation at Ronald McDonald House is available to immediate family members (parents, grandparents, siblings).
• A maximum of five family members can be accommodated within our safety requirements.

To ensure you’re eligible for travel and accommodation support you will need a referral from your hospital, social worker, accommodation officer or doctor. They will contact Ronald McDonald House directly to check availability and arrange your first visit. Subsequent visits can be arranged with the house directly.

Some families only stay one night, whilst others have stayed more than a year. Families are welcome at our Wellington House while their child is being treated at Wellington Hospital.

Thankfully, due to our generous donors, there is no charge for families to stay at the House.

House families are welcome to check in to Ronald McDonald House Wellington from 11.00 am – 7.30 pm.

• Visitors are welcome in the House from 9.00am to 9.00pm each night. However we ask that families have no more than four visitors at a time to ensure the House does not get over crowded for other families staying with us.
• Unfortunately we cannot cater for visitors at family dinner nights as this makes estimating catering numbers a challenge for our wonderful volunteers who donate their time and food.

We welcome families bringing siblings and grandparents to stay at the House where possible, but we do not provide childcare services. Children under the age of 18 cannot stay in the House unattended.

Within our facility, we provide House families with a whole host of amenities including:

• Fully equipped family kitchen
• Onsite laundry
• Four lounges
• Games room
• Children’s art room
• Computer and internet room
• Expressing room for neonatal mums
• Media room
• Gymnasium
• Outdoor playground
• Private outdoor area for relaxing, dining and BBQs
• Parking – there are a limited number of car parks at the House. Further parking is available at Wellington Hospital for a small charge.

Family bedrooms are set up to easily sleep 4 people, with the ability to sleep 5 people if required. Rooms are fully furnished with sheets and towels provided. Each room has its own ensuite bathroom and TV set with DVD player.

We also have six completely self contained apartments for families with special requirements.

Some basic food necessities are available in the communal kitchen pantry for families, and dinner is cooked by volunteers 2-4 times a week.

Whilst family dinner nights are provided 2-4 evenings a week at the House free of charge, you will also need to provide food for your family’s needs while here, so it is a good idea to bring a bag of staple food items. For additional food requirements, there is a supermarket nearby.

• Personal items – toiletries, books etc.
• A pushchair if required
• Medical equipment your child may need.