Family with a volunteer in the Family Room in Fun on Four

Bringing play and learning to more WA families

“Being in the hospital can be so overwhelming, and for kids it can sometimes be a bit scary, which can make it really hard to distract everyone between appointments.” Ayla, RMHC WA mum explains.

With Ronald McDonald Family Rooms across Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) and Peel Health Campus, visiting families have access to spaces that offer respite and entertainment in between appointments. In 2024, our four spaces welcomed over 116,000 visitors who engaged with play-based learning activities as well as incursions hosted by local and national providers.

In 2024, incursions in our Ronald McDonald Family Rooms became an important part of our play and learning program and for good reason:

“Incursions help to enhance the overall wellbeing of families with ill or injured children by providing enriching experiences that offer relief from the hospital environment, foster connection with the broader community, and support emotional, cultural, and educational development.

Incursions play a key role in our commitment to facilitating and supporting family centered care, offering opportunities for joy, normalcy, and engagement during what is often a challenging time.” Julie Field, RMHC WA Programs Manager said.

Family in the Family Room
Showbag reveal in the Family Room in Fun on Four

Along with the increase of incursions seen in 2024, our Ronald McDonald Family Room continued to provide a family focused environment that helped to alleviate the stresses that can come with visits to the hospital, whilst keeping children connected to their learning.

“Days in the hospital can be long, so to have a place where kids can just have fun, learn something new and parents can relax with a hot drink really helps take the edge off a stressful situation and gives families a chance to reset and recharge.” Ayla says.

RMHC WA understands that family support when a child is ill or injured extends well beyond the four walls of the supported accommodation. The Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are just one way we support families and their wellbeing as throughout their child’s medical journey.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Ronald McDonald House Charities WA acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land the Whadjuk people of the Noongar nation.  We pay our respects to Elders, past and present for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia.  We recognise their enduring and continuing connection to the sky, lands, waters, and culture of this land.