Ronald McDonald Family Room Wodonga becomes a 'home away from home' for families who have a sick or premature baby in the Special Care Nursery at Wodonga Hospital.
A place to relax and recharge, Our Ronald McDonald® Family Room program gives families visiting a sick child a comfortable haven where they can take a break and relax during their visit. Here, we are able to offer a welcoming environment for the family, with the space and facilities to make everyday life caring for a sick child just that little bit easier. We currently have six Family Rooms in Australia, and we have plans to open more than 15 in the coming years.
At Ronald McDonald Family Room Wodonga our goal is to make a difficult and stressful time in an unfamiliar place as normal as possible for families. More than 300 local families & more than 130 out of town families have used the Family Room since it opened in 2010. Rutherglen, Beechworth, Tangambalanga, Tallangatta, Corowa, Tawonga Sth, Bright, Holbrook, Culcairn, Rand & Henty. Families from as far away as Deniliquin, Tocumwal, Jerilderie, Benalla, Yarrawonga, Hay, West Wyalong, Khancoban, Shepparton, Tura Beach & Ipswich, Qld have also stayed at the Ronald McDonald Family Room. Some of these families have been on holiday far from home when their babies were born prematurely; others have been transferred to Wodonga from smaller hospitals.Caring for a sick baby in hospital can be an emotionally draining and difficult experience causing new parents to feel isolated and alone.
Scrapbooking Project
Parents spend long hours at the hospital going between the Family Room and the Special Care Nursery. The Family Room is designed to enable communal living so as to encourage families to spend time together, to establish friendships and to support each other through their time in the hospital. The Ronald McDonald Family Room received funds from the City of Wodonga to set up ‘The Scrapbooking Project’, run by our volunteer team. Scrapbooking enables new Mums to create a photo journal that tells the story of their baby’s start to life. Working alongside each other sharing ideas and stories encourages parents to chat and build friendships.
Mothers and Premature Babies Group
The aims for this group will be for mothers of premature babies to support each other, to gain knowledge & information in regard to premature baby development & emotional health of mothers, to learn new skills, to develop leadership skills and to establish ongoing friendships. Activities will include scrapbooking, baby massage, guest speakers, yummy morning tea and lots of opportunity to chat and make friends.
If you are interested in joining our group or finding out more information please telephone.