Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Ronald McDonald House?

The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) at National University Hospital is a temporary place of respite for families of seriously ill children being treated at NUH. We know parents want to be close to their children while they are in the hospital, and our RMH helps make that happen. If you are a guest at our House, you can go back and forth between your child and the House whenever you want and never leave the hospital. We offer a home-like environment where parents can find respite from the anxiety and stress of the wards. The doctors, nurses and hospital staff are here to take good care of your seriously ill children and the RMH is here to help take care of you.

Where is the Ronald McDonald House located?

The RMH is located on Level Four, adjacent to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, across from the Paediatric Organ Transplant Ward and just down the hall from the General Paediatric Ward. In most cases, this means that while you are staying at the RMH, you will be mere steps from your sick child.

How can the Ronald McDonald House help me?

The RMH has four ensuite bedrooms with a living room, dining room, kitchenette, small library/play area for children and laundry room. Families are allowed to cook simple meals in our kitchenette and get a good sleep in our comfortable beds anytime of the day or night. Bathrooms are equipped with shower facilities and we have WIFI in the House. Beverages (coffee, tea, milo, juices and carbonated sodas) and individualised snacks and cereals as well as fruits are always available to families free of charge. Our RMH is a secure environment. We have volunteers or staff in the RMH 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. Families are able to come and go as needed to be with their sick child.

How much does it cost to stay in the Ronald McDonald House?

Families can stay at the house at no cost, although donations are greatly appreciated. The operations, staffing and programs of the RMH are funded through Ronald McDonald House Charities® Singapore.

How long can I stay at the Ronald McDonald House?

A family can only stay at the RMH while their child is a patient at NUH. A family’s length of stay will be evaluated every 14 days to determine continued eligibility to remain at the RMH. If a child moves from original ward into another ward, a family’s length of stay will also be re-evaluated. A family must abide by our House rules to remain in the RMH.

How many family members can stay at the Ronald McDonald House?

Due to the size of our house, we can only allow two adults (immediate family only) or one adult and one child to stay in the house at any one time. If adult family members need to switch caregivers, then another family member can take the place of the original family member. For example, if a grandparent is going to replace a parent to help with the sick child, then the grandparent can stay in the House when the one parent leaves.

What do I need to do to stay at the Ronald McDonald House?

If you feel you would like to stay at the RMH, please notify your Doctor. They can complete an application for you and the doctor will send it to the RMH. If there is an available bedroom, we will invite you for a tour. If you decide to stay, then you will complete a Guest Registration Form along with a S$50 refundable deposit and you will then be our guests here in the House. If there are no bedrooms available and the House is fully occupied, you will be placed on a “Waiting List” and will be notified when a bedroom becomes available.

What is the check-in and check-out timing at Ronald McDonald House?

The check-in and check-out timing will coincide with your child’s admission and discharge timing. Please approach our Service Desk between 10am and 7pm daily for assistance. (Please allow 30 minutes for check-in)

Do you take reservations for a room at the Ronald McDonald House?

We are unable to take reservation or guarantee rooms. Since we are housing families of sick children, lengths of stay vary greatly for one family to another based on the child’s treatment and progress. All requests are subjected to room availability and doctor’s recommendation.

Where can I find a Ronald McDonald Family Room?

There are currently two Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in operation in Singapore. The first Family Room can be found at National University Hospital, Main Building Level 4 and is adjacent to the Paediatric ICU and High Dependency Wards (Ward 46). The second Family Room can be found at Block 3, basement 1 of Sunrise Wing - the Paediatric Care Unit of the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

 

The Ronald McDonald Family Room @ NUH is open 24 Hours a day, seven days a week, and the Ronald McDonald Family Room @ IMH is open from Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm.

What services does a Ronald McDonald Family Room have to offer?

Ronald McDonald Family Rooms provide a welcoming, home-like environment for families, just steps away from their child in the hospital. Each Family Room provides various services depending on many factors, including the size of the space available within the hospital, the needs of the families, and the number of families served. Minimally, a Ronald McDonald Family Room offers a seating area to relax and a space to prepare a snack, and is hosted by RMHC volunteers or staff. Here are some of the services that the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in Singapore have to offer:

 

  • Kitchen area equipped with a fridge, microwave ovens and water dispenser, and a variety of snacks and beverages provided
  • Shower facilities with clean towels and basic toiletries provided (NUH only)
  • Seating areas to dine in, read or watch television
  • Resting corner to relax or take a nap at
  • Complimentaty WIFI access

 

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at +65 6778 1934.