The Rossi Guest House is part of a national non-profit organization that provides family-centered lodging and support services to families and patients who are far from home during their treatment, says Robin Hennes, manager of guest services at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

The Rossi Guest House is located on the 4th and 5th levels of the South Wing of General Hospital. The Adult Patient and Family Suite with 14 rooms is located on 5th level and the beautiful new University of Iowa Children's Hospital Family Suite with its 16 guest rooms is located on the 4th level.

"For the most part, rooms are reserved for family members of critically ill patients at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics," says Hennes. "The University of Iowa Children's Hospital Family Suite rooms serve primarily family members of patients receiving care in the Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Units. The condition of the patient, as well as the family members' ability to get to and from the hospital are considered in requests for Adult Patient and Family Suite rooms."

Because it can be difficult to determine the length of stay for the patient, Hennes says no reservations are taken. However families may call 48 hours before the patient is admitted to reserve a space on the courtesy list. Generally, guests can stay as long as necessary, which is why it is difficult to take reservations.

As many as 40 people can be on the wait list for the Adult Suite. "We're fortunate to have the Ronald McDonald House--in its 25th year of providing accommodations for pediatric patients--so close to UI Hospitals and Clinics. They are a wonderful resource as well," Hennes says. "Because we recently opened the University of Iowa Children's Hospital Family Suite, we're just now getting up to full capacity which means that waiting list is relatively small."

"The rooms are similar to what you would find in a hotel--two beds, private bath, television, private phone with voice mail capabilities," says Hennes. "Shared amenities include a kitchenette with food pantry, laundry facilities, and a family lounge with computer and Internet access.

"Studies show that providing accommodations close to a loved one enables the family member to partner with the medical team and concentrate on getting the loved one well. The Rossi Guest House has been instrumental in enhancing efforts to deliver a successful healthcare outcome to many patients and families.

"Since we opened the guest house in December 1997, we have accommodated nearly 5,000 guests. I can honestly say all of those guests were especially thankful to have such comfortable accommodations so close to their loved one," Hennes says.

For more information:

University of Iowa Children's Hospital

Helen K. Rossi Volunteer Guest House

Ronald McDonald House