Safety first at RMH

Being forced to move your family far from home, work, school and your entire support network due to a child’s illness is extraordinarily tough.

Canobolas Cottage, trading as Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), provides a home-away-from-home for seriously ill children and their families whilst they undergo necessary treatment at major hospitals throughout Australia.

Now, patients and visitors from regional and remote areas will enjoy a safer ride to Central West health and wellbeing services with the announcement of a new vehicle service, following a $25,000 grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.

This new vehicle (which has already been put to use) will bridge a gap in transport options for residents at RMHC Orange, ensuring the safety and security and enhancing wellbeing for the family.

RMHC Executive Officer, Rebecca Walsh said the new vehicle will significantly improve safety to health services for patients and their families from and remote regional areas of Central West NSW.

“The arrival of the new house car has been timely and has already begun assisting a family after their child was transferred via air from their hometown. The car allows the family to travel to and from the hospital and even into town for any needs they may have. The family back home have acknowledged the car has provided much relief knowing their loved one is safe and being cared for has brought them great comfort,” Rebecca said.

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair, Philip Neat said RMHC’s services align with the Foundation’s objective to ensure people have access to the health and well-being services they need.

“Patients and their families who need to access the services at RMHC are entitled to access the best medical services available while ensuring their safety to and from these services.” Phillip explained, “The new vehicle will allow drivers to transport people after dark on the hospital site, from the House to the Hospital. It also allows pick-ups from train stations/public transport to the hospital and associated health service facilities.

“The Charitable Foundation’s partnership with RMHC means people can access the care they need as efficiently and safely as possible.”

RMHC has implemented a stringent policy to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers to adhere to current social distancing restrictions.