Who can stay at Ronald McDonald House South Island?
What will it cost us to stay?
How do I book?
What do I need to bring?
What about people with disabilities?
What about childcare?
How many people can stay in each room?
Can I receive visitors?
What if I, or one of my visitors is sick?
Can I be reached by phone?

Who can stay at Ronald McDonald House South Island?
Any family whose child (up to the age of 20) is coming to Christchurch to receive medical or psychological treatment at any Christchurch hospital. This includes surgical and diagnostic procedures, antenatal and postnatal care (newborn in NICU). If you are unsure please phone the office on 03 377 3311 or email us on admin@rmhsi.org.nz

What will it cost us to stay?
There is no charge for families staying in the House. In many cases a contribution from the Ministry of Health via the Travel and Accommodation Scheme is received. However, families must be eligible and have applied for this prior to their stay (your Social Worker can help). For more information regarding travel and accommodation assistance click here to go to the Ministry of Health website.

How do I book?
Your Patient Travel Administrator or Social Worker will generally arrange your first visit, but subsequent visits may be booked directly, simply by completing an Accommodation Request Form and returning it to us with proof of your appointment. Please note, completion of this form does not guarantee your booking. All requests for accommodation will be confirmed by the office pending availability.

You can download a printer friendly version of the Accommodation Request Form here which can be returned to Freepost PO Box 1463, Christchurch Mail Centre, Christchurch 8140 or faxed to the office on 03 377 3414.

Before you leave home, whether it is your first or a subsequent visit, you should contact your local hospital Social Worker/Patient Travel Administrator who will help you to register for Travel and Accommodation assistance.

To register you will need to download and complete:

A Ministry of Health Registration Form and a Ronald McDonald House South Island Accommodation Request Form (which must include appropriate Social Worker/Patient Travel Administrator contact details).

These forms should be taken to your Social Worker/Patient Travel Administrator for them to complete and forward to the Ministry of Health and Ronald McDonald House as appropriate.

Failure to register with the Ministry of Health before travelling may jeopardise your access to any allowances.

To download a printer friendly version of the Ministry of Health Registration Form click here.

To download a printer friendly version of the Accommodation Request Form click here.

Check in is usually between 8.30am and 5.00pm unless previously arranged.

What do I need to bring?
Ronald McDonald House South Island provides each family with their own room, bed and bath linen, free laundry facilities and fully equipped kitchens. The kitchen supplies include tea, coffee, cereals, milk, ice-cream and cream (donated by Al and Son), bread (donated by Couplands Bakeries), cheese (donated by Dairy Works) and basic pantry items. Bassinets, port-a-cots, strollers, car seats and other baby items are available. An extensive range of books, toys and entertainments is also provided.

You need to bring your personal items (eg toiletries, clothing) and food although the House is close to shops and supermarkets.

What about people with disabilities?
Ronald McDonald House South Island has full access for disabled guests including lift, disabled toilet, bathroom and two wet area ensuites.

What about childcare?
The care and behaviour of children is the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Children up to the age of 18 years must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times and may not be left unattended in the House.

How many people can stay in each room?
Each family is eligible for one room. The Fire and Safety code dictates that no more than five (5) people (4 adults maximum) can stay in one room. There are three two-bedroom apartments, two of which cater for patients requiring isolation.

Can I receive visitors?
Yes, but out of respect for the other families we do ask that you limit the number of visitors you have in the House. Visiting hours are from 9.00am - 9.30pm daily.

As the communal facilities are for House families only, we ask that your visitors do not use the kitchen or stay for meals in the House.

What if I, or one of my visitors is sick?
As the House often accommodates outpatients receiving treatment for serious illnesses, it is imperative that all guests and their visitors are infection free. If you or one of your visitors is ill other arrangements may need to be made. Under no circumstance can guests who have been in contact with, or have been diagnosed with, Chicken Pox or Shingles or who have had an episode of vomiting or diarrhoea in the last 24 hours be allowed to stay or visit.

Can I be reached by phone?
Every room has its own telephone equipped with voicemail - you will be given your extension number on arrival. All telephones have toll bars, but toll calls may be made with Yabba cards (available for purchase from the office).

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