well over 200 families since opening its doors in September last year.

Inverell’s Clifford family were the 204th family to use the facility.

They had travelled from Inverell and stayed in Ronald McDonald House for two nights.

Isaac Clifford, who turns two next month, had to have a surgical procedure.

His mother Katrina said the house provided a supportive environment for families when they needed it the most.

“Staying in the house really helps when times are hard,” Mrs Clifford said.

“All the volunteers are really helpful, and it’s really good accommodation.”

In the past 13 months, the house has provided 1454 individual bed nights to family members supporting an ill or injured child in hospital.

House manager Raelee Balderston said the house was constantly running at 100 per cent occupancy.

“Since opening, we have accommodated more than 1600 people,” Mrs Balderston said.

“Unfortunately, we’re having to put some families on waiting lists.

“Day by day, we’re reassessing the load, depending on the family’s distance from home and the illness.”

The Tamworth house is also becoming a big stopover point for regional families who are using the major hospitals of John Hunter in Newcastle, and Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney.

About 80 per cent of families use the house for long-term accommodation.

The other 20 per cent have usually travelled long distances for surgical procedures and require short-term accommodation.

“When we’ve been busy, we have converted the quiet room into another bedroom, making the house a five-bedroom home,” Mrs Balderston said.

“We’re also seeing premature babies being transported from the neonatal unit of John Hunter Hospital.

“They are well enough to leave hospital but still need care and attention until they get to a certain weight and can go home.”