Media Call
Date: Tuesday 9 December 2025 Time: 10am Location: Performance deck, Level 2, Queensland Children’s Hospital What:
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Photo and interview opportunities with RMHC SEQ, CEO Emma Thompson,
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RMHC SEQ CEO Emma Thompson cutting ribbon
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RMHC SEQ volunteers walking the cart through the hospital
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Reed family available for interview.
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Lachlan (4 years) was born with chronic kidney disease and has been on dialysis since he was 4.5 months old. The family had to uproot their lives from Toowoomba so that Lachlan could receive treatment at the Queensland Children’s Hospital. For over a year, the family stayed at Ronald McDonald House South Brisbane. During this time, Lachlan received his long-awaited kidney transplant but unfortunately had to have this removed within 24 hours. The family has now relocated to Brisbane permanently so that Lachlan can continue to receive treatment.
Families at Queensland Children’s Hospital will now receive bedside comfort thanks to Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland’s (RMHC SEQ) new Hospitality Cart Program – the organisation’s first new program in more than a decade.
The Hospitality Cart brings comfort and care directly to families during hospital stays. Operated by RMHC SEQ volunteers, the cart offers snacks, drinks, toiletries, and activity packs to help ease the stress of long hospital visits.
As Queensland’s single specialist paediatric hospital and one of the largest in Australia, the Queensland Children’s Hospital has long supported RMHC SEQ’s mission to care for families with ill and injured children. This partnership ensures families receive practical and emotional support when they need it most.
RMHC SEQ Chief Executive Officer, Emma Thompson, said the launch marks an exciting milestone for the organisation.
“Expanding our programs is vital to meet the growing needs of families across South East Queensland,” she said.
“By introducing new initiatives like the Hospitality Cart Program, we’re finding new ways to deliver comfort, reduce stress, and make those difficult days just a little easier.”
Children’s Health Queensland Chief Executive Frank Tracey said the program would make a meaningful difference for families during some of their most stressful moments.
“We know that having a child in hospital can be overwhelming, and many families arrive unexpectedly – sometimes without even the basic necessities,” Mr Tracey said.
"Providing comfort items, refreshments, and practical essentials right at the bedside helps ease that immediate pressure and allows parents to remain close to their child when it matters most.”
“We’re grateful to our valued partner Ronald McDonald House Charities for bringing the Hospitality Cart Program to the Queensland Children’s Hospital to help improve the experience of patients and families,” he said.
The program will initially operate three mornings per week, with plans to expand to daily and evening shifts. The cart will focus on outpatient areas including the Emergency Department, Short Stay, Medical Imaging, and other clinics.
This initiative has been made possible through the generosity of Bencee, who provided the cart, and Carina Leagues Club, who are supporting ongoing stock and operations.
For more information, visit: https://rmhcseq.org.au/how-we-can-help/our-family-rooms/
Imagery can be found here, and professional photography and video will be available post launch event.
About us:
Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland cares for families with children who are ill or injured. We provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families, and promote healing when children need healthcare. We have accommodation at Herston, South Brisbane, the Queensland Children’s Hospital and the Gold Coast University Hospital.
Contact details:
Erin Saroglia
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Ronald McDonald House Charities South East Queensland
E) [email protected]
M) 0448 776 835