The Liberal National Government will invest $2.57 million to assist Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) help families of seriously ill children.
Government funding will be provided to the RMHC South East Queensland chapter to assist in a new facility fit out that will help keep families together, and close to the care their child needs.
Minister for Health, Greg Hunt said the Australian Government was committed to ensuring Australian families can get the right support, when and where they need it.
“I hear hundreds of heart-warming stories of the work of Ronald McDonald Houses around the country, as they support the families of children facing significant health challenges,” Minister Hunt said.
“The provision of a warm and welcoming home away from home is crucial in both the caring and recovery of unwell children.”
“By delivering our plan for a strong economy we can make investments that support children living with life threatening conditions and help their family members through these trying times,” Minister Hunt said.
The funding of $2.57 million will enable the fit-out of Level 8, of the South Brisbane House and will include:
- 5 specialised fully self-contained accommodation units (4x2 bedrooms and 1x1 bedroom)
- 5 studio rooms for general guest and family use
Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland supports over 5000 families and delivers over 30,000 room nights each year with the overwhelming majority of these families travelling from regional Queensland. Senator Stoker said “This funding will further enhance the capacity of Ronald McDonald House in South Brisbane to care for young patients and their families.”
“Only recently, the South Brisbane house celebrated the opening of 9 additional rooms to help address the increasing need for accommodation, especially for those families travelling to Brisbane from regional Queensland.”
Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland CEO, Dr John Gilmour acknowledged the funding announced by the Government which will allow the organisation to continue responding to the ongoing needs of families.
“This new level will allow us to significantly expand our facilities at South Brisbane to further support long stay families, large family groups and immuno-suppressed patients,” Dr Gilmour said.
“Families are our focus and the additional accommodation rooms will complement the range of other programs and services we offer to our families whilst they are caring for their seriously ill or injured children.”
80% of those families cared for by Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland come from Wide Bay and Capricornia, Central Queensland, Mackay, Central West, West Moreton, Pine Rivers, Caboolture, Townsville, Cairns, Far North Queensland and Cape York.
The Government’s strong economic management ensures the continued record investment of funding into vital health initiatives including mental health, life-saving medicines, Medicare and hospitals.