Medical Professionals Referral Information

The purpose of the Ronald McDonald House is to allow families to visit and offer continuous support to their hospitalized child. Only family members directly involved in the daily care of the patient are eligible to stay at the House. Eligible family members include parents, guardians, siblings, grandparents, and other essential caregivers.

Due to the unique communal living environment, only well-suited families should be referred to the House. Ronald McDonald House does not admit any guest convicted (or pending charges) of a felony, domestic violence, charges involving physical harm or injury, any crimes against children, anyone under investigation by Child Protective Services, or families with a positive drug screening test who are not actively participating in an approved treatment program.

Who qualifies to stay?

Parents or guardians of pediatric patients traveling at least 25 miles to the Roanoke Valley to receive treatment for their child may qualify to stay at the Ronald McDonald House

If the House is full, the mileage requirement may be extended further

Pediatric patients are defined as 21 years of age and younger, unmarried and using parent’s address as their permanent address

Guests must be able to care for their own needs and be able to reside in a communal setting harmoniously with other House families

What is the process?

Families desiring a room at Ronald McDonald House will need a referral from the doctor’s office for all pediatric outpatient procedures and from the hospital social worker for all inpatient services.

A referral does not guarantee a room will be available. Because of the large volume of room requests, the Ronald McDonald House does not reserve rooms or accept reservations. Once a referral has been made, the family is asked to call the House at 540-857-0770 from 12-1 PM on the day of arrival to see if a room is available and schedule a check-in time.

All potential guests are required to complete and submit an Admission Application Form, prior to arrival. Confirmation of referral is pending upon approval of application. Application forms are also made available through social workers at Carilion Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald Family Room on the 14th floor at Carilion Roanoke Memorial. For those unable to submit online, the information may collected over the phone and signed at check-in.

How do I make a referral for a family?

To make a referral, please call 540-857-0770 during the office hours, 8AM-8PM, and have the following information available: patient name, D.O.B., diagnosis, names of eligible family members checking in, where they are from and phone number to reach them.