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

Thirty-two-week old Ellarna had a catheter procedure to close a hole in her aorta at the Royal Brompton hospital. ‘Children need their parents to be with them when they are in hospital,’ writes Miranda Rowlands. Photograph: David Levene for the Guardian

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

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