FAQ's

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Before your stay  During your stay   House visitors   House facilities 

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Is there a charge to stay in a ‘Home from Home’?

No, we never charge you to stay with us. Donations are very gratefully received but there is no obligation for you to give.

Can I book a room in advance?

Due to demand, our ‘Homes from Home’ do not take bookings and are unable to guarantee accommodation. The hospital staff will be able to advise you when your child is admitted to hospital. Following our admissions criteria, rooms are allocated and reviewed on a daily basis so that we can help the families who are most in need.

How long can I stay for?

Length of stay in our houses is never guaranteed. House staff will review family stays on a regular basis and liaise with the hospital regarding certain factors: Is your child in intensive care? Is a parent bed available on the ward? How far away does your family live? Does your child have siblings? What is the expected length of treatment?

Can newly delivered mothers stay once discharged?

Newly delivered mothers are more than welcome to stay with us, however if they have given birth less than five days prior then they will need to have someone to stay with them until post five days.

I don`t have a partner, can someone else stay with me?

Yes, as long as there is space available and they’re registered for fire safety reasons – please speak to a member of our house staff who will be happy to help you

What are the conditions for staying?

All of our ‘Homes from Home’ are zero tolerance houses, meaning that illegal substances/legal highs and alcohol are prohibited and smoking or vaping has to be off premises. Abuse of the house facilities and threatening, disruptive or intimidating behaviour is also prohibited. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied at all times by an adult. Families must not leave the room unused for more than one night in a week.

My partner has to return to work, can I continue to stay?

Generally yes, as long as you still meet our admissions criteria and there is not a parent bed available on the ward. The only exception to this is that new mothers are required to be accompanied by an adult until five days after the birth. If siblings are also staying, please consider how practical it will be for one parent to stay and visit the hospital.

I have to return home to sort housing/business/siblings/pets/appointments etc. Can I keep my room?

Families can generally return home for one night at time. Please make house staff aware if you need to do this.

My child has been referred to another hospital for a second opinion/investigation/treatment but is expected to return here, can we keep our room?

In order to be able to help as many families as we can, we do require you to return your keys if your child is no longer physically in the hospital linked to our ‘Home from Home’ – the length of time you are away and treatment plans may change. We will of course do our best to re accommodate you on your return if possible.

Are my family and friends allowed to visit me in the house?

Yes however we do ask that you limit how many friends or family visit at any one time. Please let house staff know if you need a large gathering in the house and they will be able to advise you.

Is there somewhere I can cook?

Yes, we provide you with a fully equipped kitchen which includes fridge and freezer space to enable you to prepare home made meals.

Are there laundry facilities?

All our homes have coin operated washing machines and tumble driers. Please ask our staff if you need change for the machines. We can also provide washing powder and fabric conditioner at a minimal cost for your first wash.

Is there WI-FI available?

Wi-Fi is usually available in our ‘Homes from Home’ for a small donation, or you may be able to connect to the hospital network. Talk to our house staff to find out how to connect while you’re staying.

Can I receive post at the house?

You are welcome to receive post at the house but remember we may not be able to forward items on to you if they arrive after your departure. Please check your House User Guide for the full address of the house. Post for some of our ‘Homes from Home’ is delivered to the hospital sorting office and may require collection.

Is there a TV in my room?

Some of our houses have televisions in the bedrooms but all of our houses have a communal lounge area with a television.