Ronald McDonald Family Room
The first of its kind in Illinois, the Ronald McDonald Family Room® provides a haven of respite and hospitality to families whose children are in treatment at Edward Hospital.
The Family Room is a place for families to rest and regroup, in a home-like atmosphere and away from the stress of the hospital. It has a living room with a television, relaxation/sitting areas, two computer stations with Internet access, and a playroom for patients and siblings. There is also a kitchenette with donated snacks and quick single serving meals for families. Restaurants and donors cater meals multiple times a week.
The Family Room also provides two Sleep Rooms for families of patients with the most critical conditions, to get much needed rest without having to leave the hospital. Each Sleep Room has a private bathroom with a shower, along with toiletries and towels.
Where is the Family Room located?
The Family Room is located in the combined Inpatient Pediatrics and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Edward Hospital. Follow signs from the South Lobby of the hospital to the Inpatient Pediatrics/PICU door. There, you will need to ring the buzzer in order to enter the unit.
Who is eligible to visit the Family Room?
Any family whose child is age 0-18 and in treatment at Edward Hospital is eligible to visit the Family Room. You do not need a referral. When you visit, you will need to provide your child’s name and room number.
Typically, up to three family members per patient are allowed. All children under age 18 must be supervised at all times by a parent or authorized adult.
For the safety of all families, anyone recently exposed to a contagious illness, or who is currently ill, will not be allowed in the Family Room. In order for a family of a pediatric patient in isolation to use the Family Room, all family members must abide by hospital precautions at all times while in the patient’s room.
How can families use one of the Sleep Rooms?
Sleep Rooms are assigned to families on a day-by-day basis. Families may be able to stay more than one night depending upon the overall needs of our pediatric families.
Families who would like to visit one of the Sleep Rooms will need to:
- Contact a social worker within the unit of the hospital in which your child is a patient. (Your nurse can page them for you).
- Meet with the social worker and request a referral to stay in our Sleep Rooms. They will talk to you about the Sleep Room and ask you some questions to make sure it is a good fit for you.
- Once you are approved, the social worker will discuss your referral with the Family Room Director.
- If a room is available, you will be contacted about checking in.
- If a room is not available immediately, we will contact you when we have a room available for you.
Is there a charge for visiting the Family Room?
There is no charge for visiting the Family Room but donations are always welcome in order to continue to provide for future families. We suggest families donate $10 per night but no family is ever turned away because of their inability to pay.
Learn more about the Family Room
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI) is an independent not-for-profit organization whose mission is to care for families of children with complex medical needs by providing comfort, compassion, and community.
To learn more call 630-527-3800, read the brochure, or visit Ronald House Chicago.