Prince Albert now home to Saskatchewan's 1st Ronald McDonald family room

Families with sick kids in Prince Albert's Victoria Hospital will now have a place to "rest and relax, just steps from their child's bedside".

On Sept. 27, the first Ronald McDonald family room in Saskatchewan was opened at Victoria Hospital.

According to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, the new family room provides a "home like" space. It includes a kitchen area, shower, and laundry facilities.

Cecile Hunt, CEO of the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, said in a news release it is grateful for the family room.

"When a child is in hospital, it is important they have the support they need from their family," Hunt said. "This room will provide additional comforts for the family. Our staff members, physicians, and volunteers are excited by what this room means for the people we serve."

While Ronald McDonald House Charities Saskatchewan is constantly working to provide help to children and their families, one out of every three families is turned away "due to lack of space".

Two years ago, the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon expanded from 13 rooms to 34.