One of the three private sleeping rooms available to parents. The Ronald McDonald Family Room at UAB Women & Infants Center is now open and will be available for families whose children are in the Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Continuing Care Nursery units. The Ronald McDonald Family Room was made possible through UAB employee contributions to the university’s philanthropic Benevolent Fund, and is the first of its kind in Birmingham.
The room will provide a space for families in the hospital where they can rest and regroup without being too far from their child. The Family Room features three private sleeping rooms with their own bathrooms, shower and laundry facilities, and kitchen and dining areas, as well as common space.
In addition to fulfilling basic needs, the Family Room will host different programs and activities for families, such as therapeutic art classes, parenting sessions and other socializing opportunities.
“We are pleased that UAB employee contributions were the impetus to bring the Family Room to fruition,” said Lisa Higginbotham, UAB Benevolent Fund manager. “When families visit UAB’s RNICU or CCN units, they are often here for weeks or even months on end, and are away from their own homes and surroundings. The Ronald McDonald Family Room will give these families a comfortable space just steps away from their child, which is of utmost importance during their newborn’s care.”
The room will be monitored and support by a volunteer provided by the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. As of Jan. 11, the room is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.