In defence of McDonald’s’ care rooms for families of sick children | Letters

Miranda Rowland’s personal experience underpins her positive view

While I am sympathetic to Rachel Clarke’s argument about CareRooms (Opinion, 28 October), her sarcastic tone undermines her case. There are 14 Ronald McDonald Houses at hospitals in the UK, and more globally. They are situated close to children’s hospitals, providing, free of charge, home-from-home accommodation for families with seriously ill children, in hospitals that are often far from where they live. The houses are built and operated by Ronald McDonald House Charities, an independent charity. McDonalds does not operate the houses, but does invest significantly in the charity. Without this support, the houses would not exist and there would be little or no provision of this kind for families.

The NHS does not have the resources to provide parental accommodation, but it is well known that children need their parents to be with them when they are in hospital. RMHC receives no public funding, but relies entirely on charitable donations. I know from personal experience of needing to stay at a Ronald McDonald House just how vital the charity’s work is. I hope Dr Clarke will take the time to visit the a house and find out from staff and service users exactly what it is all about.
Miranda Rowlands
Norwich

Continue reading... October 31, 2017 at 12:33AM