UnityPoint Health – Trinity Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa Establish Comfort Space for Pediatric Families
UnityPoint Health – Trinity Foundation is proud to share their collaboration with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa (RMHCCI). With support from Trinity Foundation: Journey of Hope, Fort Dodge Community Foundation and Brady O'Brien Live, a respite room and shower room has been created for families of patients in the pediatric unit at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Regional Medical Center. This private space is designed to offer families a moment of peace, to have a meal or a confidential conversation.
“The RMHCCI respite room will mean the world to so many families who are going through some of the most challenging times of their lives,” says Alyssa Stanek, Executive Director of UnityPoint Health – Trinity Foundation. “As a mom who has experienced having a baby hospitalized, I know how scary it can be and how you don’t want to leave your child’s side – even for the essentials like eating and bathing. Being away from your sick child feels like an eternity. We’re excited that RMHCCI partnered with us for their first satellite respite room.”
The room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, table and chairs, two recliners and complimentary snacks. In addition to the family room, a private shower room is also available, allowing parents to freshen up while staying at the hospital with their child. The respite and shower rooms will be greatly beneficial for families who have long hospital stays or are travelling from out of town for their care.
“Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa is excited to be partnering with UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center to offer a place for families of patients on the pediatric unit to rest, recharge and have space for themselves, all while being just steps away from their child” says Paige Moore, CEO of RMHCCI. “Since opening its doors in 1981, RMHCCI has served almost 1500 families from Webster County while their child received care in Des Moines. Now, through this partnership, RMHCCI can serve even more families, closer to home. We are excited for this first satellite location and look forward to fulfilling our mission in Fort Dodge.”
This space will serve as a source of comfort and support for families navigating through what is often a highly stressful experience, especially those who are traveling to Fort Dodge for care.
In 2020, Trinity Regional Medical Center started their partnership with UnityPoint Health – Blank Children’s Hospital, ensuring 24/7 inpatient pediatric and newborn nursery care from a Blank Children’s provider. Through the partnership, Trinity Regional Medical Center provides a high level of care and is able to treat more children locally.
The pediatric unit has 10 private rooms decorated from themes around the world. The unit treated 192 pediatric patients in 2024.