We know that hospitals can be stressful places.  Through our Ronald McDonald Family Room program, we provide a calm "home away from home" within hospital walls to rest and regroup, allowing parents and guardians to stay near their children.

A statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasized the postive effects of family presence during a child's hospital stay.  Both children and parents experienced decreased levels of stress, the children were discharged earlier, and their recovery went faster.  Our Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at three Delaware hospitals provide support for famillies so that they can be with their children and aid their recoveries.

Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children

This spacious Family Resource Center is a collaboration between Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and the Ronald McDonald House of Delaware.  The Center includes:

Laundry facilities
Showers
Kitchenette with free coffee and vending machines
Computers with high-speed internet
Wireless internet
Telephones, fax machine and copier
Library

The Family Resource Center is also home to three Ronald McDonald Sleep Rooms which provide overnight accomodations for a parent.

Christiana Care

The newly-renovated Ronald McDonald Family Room is located in the Special Care Nursery at Christiana Care.  Families are encouraged to rest, watch television, eat snacks and drink coffee.  There is a play area for siblings to watch movies, play games and read books.  The Room is equipped with wireless internet, and the Ronald McDonald House coordinates monthly dinners for families.  Volunteers can also provide child support.

Bayhealth Medical Center

The Ronald McDonald Family Room at Kent General Hospital is a specail place for famillies with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  It includes a kitchenette, playroom and waiting area.

All of our Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are open 24/7.  Volunteers staff the Rooms during the day to provide assistance to families, and we rely on donations to stock the Rooms.  To find out more about volunteer opportunities with the Family Room program, please contact Ashley Berntgen at a.berntgen@rmhde.org or 302-428-5322.