I just wanted to do a quick post about the amazing work of Ronald McDonald House Charities UK. What they do is provide accommodation to parents of children who are in hospital. Sounds very simple, but when your child is in hospital long term, or spends time on the ICU or HDU units it is unthinkable that you could leave the hospital, go home, sleep or do anything other than just exist at your child's bedside. From a child's point of view it is impossible to understand that at least one of your parents wouldn't stay with you and exceptionally frightening to spend time in hospital alone.
We've only used Ronald McDonald House once, for one night. It was well run, efficient, welcoming and an utter relief to know that we were a stones throw from our sleeping daughter in the HDU and we were able to get some rest in a comfortable, safe environment. But the houses provide accommodation for parents as long as they need it, when their child is long term sick and/or they live very far away. I think that their work is invaluable and even from our limited experience the workers and volunteers also spend a great deal of time listening, understanding and sharing their own experiences of how the charity has supported them. Thank you RMHC Oxford, in the nicest possible way we hope to not use your services again, but are very thankful for your hospitality.
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