The Ronald McDonald House provides rooms for families of children that are in the hospital. Social Services needs to approve the request and they determine a sliding fee charge ranging from $3.00 per night to $10.00 per night. No reservations are accepted. There is a $5.00 fee for a key deposit and this is returned upon departure.

Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. It is preferable that you check in prior to 6 p.m. However, if this is not possible, please contact the House at the above telephone number so that they will hold the room for you. Laundry facilities are free, cribs are available and there are twin beds, one chair that pulls out into a twin cot, and a private bath. You will also have your own phone from which long distance calls can be made by calling collect or using a charge card.

The Ronald McDonald van makes six daily round trips to the hospital. 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. The van also can make a daily trip to the nearest grocery store. Please contact the house manager if you are interested in this.

Parking can be a problem at the McDonald House. You may choose to leave your car in any of the ramps and take the van back and forth, you may park your car at no charge in the remote parking lot, or you may park your car in front of the House in one of the designated spots for McDonald House families. These spots are limited in number. You should place your parking pass in the front windshield to avoid getting ticketed. Check with the house manager or your social worker about the option that's best for you.

Hotels/Motels
The Iowa City/Coralville area is fortunate to have a number of fine hotels and motels from which to choose. The prices for a room vary; however, most provide a hospital rate which you may receive simply by asking.

While most of our families stay at the Ronald McDonald House through their child's hospitalization, others choose to stay in an apartment-like setting. Some hotels/motels offer weekly and monthly rates and some also provide kitchenettes. You may wish to discuss these options with your social worker who can help you make arrangements that will suit you and your family's needs.

Apartments
Iowa City and Coralville have many apartments near the hospital; however, these are usually occupied by University students. Furnished apartments are also a rare find. In general, the farther away you get from the hospital, the better your chances of finding an apartment, especially one with a short-term lease. Most apartment complex managers want a nine or 12 month lease, but in some cases, are willing to consider a six month or month-to-month arrangement. Your social worker will be able to direct you toward and assist you in negotiating with these managers.

Apartment prices range from $350.00 to approximately $800.00 per month, depending on size, number of bedrooms, location, etc. There are several local businesses which rent furniture and other household wares to complete your apartment.

Parks/Campgrounds
There are a number of parks and campgrounds in the area which are ideal for "getting away" from the hospital environment. For example, City Park is a terrific place to take your child on pass. There are ducks to feed, bike paths and carnival rides for you to enjoy. You may want to check with your nurse or social worker for other suggestions.

Some families have opted to live in their campers or other recreational vehicles while their child is hospitalized. During the warmer months, this can be a very inexpensive form of housing while also being relaxing and enjoyable.

Rental Cars
If you are interested in renting a car while you are here, please feel free to contact your social worker. There are a few places that can offer cheaper rates to you.

Parking
Visitors need to park in Ramps I, II or III or any metered area. Hourly rates are $.60 per hour or if a visitor will be visiting seven days or more, they may purchase a seven-day (consecutive), reduced rate parking pass from the Hospital Cashiers Office located on the first floor between Elevators B and C for $18.00 per week. The cashiers office is open 7:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday through Sunday. The cashier will need the year and make of your car, the license plate number and the color of your car.

Cafeteria
The Compass Cafe, located near Elevator C on the first floor, is open from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Vending machines are also available here.

The Visitor Dining Room (located near the main lobby) hours are:

Patient and Visitor Activities Center
Take Elevators D or F to the 8th floor and you will find a spacious visitors' lounge and an outdoor patio (open dependent upon the weather). There is a kiosk from which you can buy gourmet coffee, muffins, cookies, and sandwiches Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, nearby is the hospital's medical museum and the patient's library.

Library Hours
Monday through Friday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Patients and families may check out videos, VCR machines, books, magazines, audio tapes, tape players, books on tape and children's books. An imprinted card with the patient's name is required. You can obtain this from the Nursing Unit Clerk.

Gift Shop Hours:
Monday through Friday: 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The gift shop has items such as fresh flowers, magazines, cards, toys, candy, stationary, knickknacks and many other items.

Money
There are two automatic teller machines, one in the Main Lobby and one in the Boyd Tower Lobby (by Elevator A) on the first floor. You can also cash personal checks up to $35.00 per day at the cashier's window on the first floor. Some families have found it useful to use travelers checks, credit cards, or set up an account at a local bank in Iowa City. Your social worker can help you identify a bank that will accommodate you while you are here.

Grocery Stores
There are a number of grocery stores in the area (i.e., Eagles, Econofoods, Hy-Vee, Cub Foods, Fareway), some more economical than others. You may wish to compare on your own or ask the advice of your nurse or social worker. There are two stores that are fairly close to the hospital (i.e., Melrose Market and Fareway). If you are interested in purely organic food items, there is New Pioneer Co-op downtown.

Public Transportation/Maps
Maps of the Iowa City/Coralville area and of the hospital are included or additional copies can be obtained in the main lobby of the hospital near the Information Desk or from the Patient Representative's office located between Elevators A and B on the first floor.

Bus schedules are also included for both the City Transit and Cambus and can also be found near the information desk or in the Patient Representative's office. Your social worker or nurse can help you identify the route you will need to take to get to your desired location. The city bus costs 75 cents to ride while the Cambus is free.

Hospital Address

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

200 Hawkins Drive

Iowa City, IA 52242

ATTN: Patient's name

(319) 356-1616

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