Home / Services and support / Ronald McDonald House Family Room

Ronald McDonald House Family Room

Family stays close when their child needs care.

A welcoming space within the hospital

Located in Block K at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead (CHW), the Ronald McDonald House Family Room provides families whose child is receiving care with a comfortable place to rest, recharge, and attend to everyday needs without leaving the hospital.

Staffed by dedicated volunteers and available at no cost, the Family Room offers access to rest areas, meals and refreshments, play spaces, and practical support throughout the day.

Whether families need a quiet spot for a break, something to eat, a shower after a long night, or somewhere for siblings to play, the Family Room is here to help families pause without stepping away from their child’s care.

Location and operating hours

The Family Room is located on Level 2, Block K at CHW. Registration is required at no cost upon entry.

Opening hours may vary depending on volunteer availability and operational requirements. Current opening hours are listed as below:

Monday, 02 November: 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Tuesday, 03 November: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Wednesday, 04 November: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Thursday, 05 November: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Friday, 06 November: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Saturday, 07 November: Closed

Sunday, 08 November: 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM

A place to pause, recharge, and feel supported

Time in hospital can be physically and emotionally demanding for families. The Family Room provides an opportunity for parents, carers, siblings, and loved ones to recharge away from the ward before returning to their child’s bedside.

Families visiting the Family Room can access:

Comfortable nap rooms, providing a place for short breaks and rest.
Complimentary Grab&Go meals, refreshments, and snacks, helping families stay nourished without leaving the hospital.
Laundry facilities and a shower, supporting everyday needs during extended hospital stays.
An outdoor playground and family-friendly spaces, giving children and siblings an opportunity to play and be themselves.
A multi-purpose room, offering a quiet space for work or a break from the busy hospital environment.
Support from compassionate volunteers, providing practical assistance, a listening ear, and a warm welcome throughout the day.

For many families, these comforts help reduce stress and allow a moment to regroup while their child receives treatment.

Outdoor signage of the Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney Family Room, The Children's Hospital at Westmead — The Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney Family Room, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, is located at Level 2, Block K

Comfortable couch and armchairs in the Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney Family Room, The Children's Hospital at Westmead — Lounge area for rest and relaxation

Comfortable armchair and a TV in the Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney Family Room, The Children's Hospital at Westmead — Lounge area for rest and relaxation

Dining area in the Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney Family Room, The Children's Hospital at Westmead — Dining area

Kitchen stocked with Grab&Go meals and complimentary beverages

A quiet indoor space for children to play in with toys and books in the Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney Family Room, The Children's Hospital at Westmead — A quiet indoor space for children

Outdoor playground outside the Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney Family Room, The Children's Hospital at Westmead — Outdoor playground

Nap room with two beds and a small desk with chair at the Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney Family Room, The Children's Hospital at Westmead — Nap rooms for short breaks and rest

Supporting families to stay close to care

Research has shown that 87% of families using Ronald McDonald House Family Rooms experience improved emotional wellbeing, while 90% report better rest and physical health.*

* Source: Ronald McDonald House Family Room Social Return on Investment Report, March 2020

What the Family Room means to families

"Beautiful space to bring my one-year-old son to, away from the hospital room."

"So great to finally see a Family Room at The Children's Hospital at Westmead; it is amazing! It’s such a great space for families."

Has the Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney Family Room supported your family? We’d love to hear from you. Your feedback will help us improve our programs, enabling us to better support families. You can leave a Google Review or fill in the feedback form below.

More support for families

Families supported by our Family Room may also benefit from other Ronald McDonald House Greater Western Sydney programs and services.

About us

Services and support

Get involved