When 12-year-old Thomas Purvis had a boil that took a turn for the worst, his family needed urgent accommodation close to Townsville University Hospital. Fortunately, Ronald McDonald House Townsville was there to provide his Mum; Sarah, Dad; Luke and
two younger siblings, Eddie and Charlie, with free accommodation for as long as Thomas needed to fight his infection, which had progressed to Golden Staph. “Thomas's illness came on unexpectedly,” Sarah explained
“We were away on holidays in North Queensland when he got a boil on his elbow. By the time we got back home to the Whitsundays a couple of days later, Thomas was feeling unwell and tested positive to COVID.”
Thomas was seen by his General Practitioner, but when Sarah and Luke noticed their son was not improving, they swiftly took him to their local Hospital. Due to his positive COVID status, Thomas was transferred to Mackay Base Hospital.
“We were away on holidays in North Queensland when he got a boil on his elbow. By the time we got back home to the Whitsundays a couple of days later, Thomas was feeling unwell and tested positive to COVID.”
Thomas was seen by his General Practitioner, but when Sarah and Luke noticed their son was not improving, they swiftly took him to their local Hospital. Due to his positive COVID status, Thomas was transferred to Mackay Base Hospital.
While Sarah and Thomas were flown to Townsville University Hospital, Dad Luke drove from the Whitsundays to Townsville, where he was provided with accommodation at Ronald McDonald House. “We ended up keeping and using that room at the Ronald McDonald House for the next 18 nights whilst Thomas was in hospital,”
“This meant that us parents could go between the hospital and the Ronald McDonald House room. We could do some washing, have a rest and a proper bed to sleep in, and cook some dinner in the kitchen, all while only being a five minute walk away from Thomas
“Thomas' younger brothers could come up and visit on the weekends and we had enough room for them to stay as well.”
Sarah also sincerely appreciated the family-friendly facilities available at Ronald McDonald House Townsville. “The facilities at the Ronald McDonald House meant there was a play area for Thomas' siblings when they weren't visiting at the hospital and the fully equipped kitchen and lounge room made the transition easier.”
The Ronald McDonald Family Room, located just off the Children’s Ward at Townsville University Hospital, also made a big difference to the entire family’s experience at the Hospital. “The Ronald McDonald Family Room became our second home. The Family Room was so well thought out and instead of feeling like you were in a hospital, you felt like you were in your lounge room at home.
“There were activities for everyone in the family to enjoy, including movies, colouring, crafts, books and an outside play area. There were always snacks available, a cup of coffee or even a freshly cooked toastie.
“The wonderful volunteers were only too happy to help and have a chat. Throughout our hospital stay, the Ronald McDonald Family Room was our favourite place to spend our days.” Thomas has now made a full recovery, with the family back home in the Whitsundays. Sarah is grateful to have had access to the care programs provided by RMHC North Australia during their ordeal.
“The Ronald McDonald House and Family Room made such a positive difference to our family during a hard time.