Ronald McDonald Family Room now open
Kootenai Health and Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Inland Northwest (RMHC) announced today the opening of a Ronald McDonald Family Room inside the Kootenai Health Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Kootenai Health significantly expanded its NICU in 2016 to include 12 private NICU rooms. Two of these rooms can accommodate twins, so the unit can accommodate 14 babies. The addition of the new space and technology increased its classification to Level III, meaning it can treat babies born as early as 28 weeks gestation and babies weighing only 1000 grams. Parents with babies being treated in the NICU spend substantial amounts of time at the hospital and may experience considerable stress. That is why Kootenai Health reached out to Ronald McDonald House Charities about adding a Ronald McDonald Family Room within the unit.
“Ronald McDonald Family Rooms are designed to provide a place of rest and respite for families with hospitalized children. The idea is to create a space where families are able to step outside the hospital environment and take a chance to regroup, just steps away from their child’s bedside,” Mike Forness, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities, said.
The new room will feature a comfortable seating area, a TV with access to informational videos as well as regular programming through the “GetWell Network”, a kitchen with light snacks and beverages, individual locked storage for personal items, toys and books for siblings, and a private bathroom with shower.
Space for the room was provided by Kootenai Health, and RMHC funded the renovations, furnishings, and supplies. Garwood Elementary raised funds to create a children’s library, and local McDonald’s owners and operators will provide supplies for the space. RMHC will also fund the ongoing operation of the Family Room.
“We’re excited to have a designated space for families and visitors that is just a step away from the baby’s bedside,” said Anna Werner, NICU nurse manager. “It’s important for them to have a place to rest and find some peace during a time that’s often very stressful.”
The Ronald McDonald Family Room is now open.
