There are two key philosophies underpinning the House;

1. Children respond better to treatment when their families are close. Doctors recognise that parental and family support is vital for sick children.
   
2. The families staying in the house are a great source of mutual care and support for each other.

The concept of family is at the heart of the House and we work hard to create a positive, warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We understand that this can be an emotionally and financially stressful time for the family; therefore no-one pays to stay at Ronald McDonald House.  The house is directly across the road from Wellington Hospital - just a 4 minute walk from the children’s wards.  This means parents and family can always be close by.

Who stays with us?

The families who stay with us have children with a wide range of illnesses and medical conditions - from cancer, to premature babies, to children hurt in accidents or requiring surgery. Some families stay one night - others have stayed more than a year. The average stay is two weeks.  Some families return over a period of many years.