Accommodation near hospital

If you need short-term accommodation to be close to a relative or friend while they are in hospital, there are a number of options available. Often, there are some accommodation providers within a short walking distance from the hospital.

How to find accommodation near your hospital

Find your hospital for information about local providers. Accommodation options are usually listed online or available over the phone.

Parent accommodation

Generally, 1 parent may stay with a child overnight in the ward. There are also other accommodation options for parents and families near the Royal Children’s Hospital or through other accommodation providers.

Transitional Rehabilitation Program (TRP) accommodation

People with spinal injuries living outside the greater Brisbane area (more than 60 minutes from the Spinal Injuries Unit at the PA Hospital) may be eligible for TRP accommodation. This is provided for the period of your treatment program only.

Find out more about this program.

Financial assistance

An accommodation and travel subsidy may be available from your local hospital through the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme if it is medically necessary for you to escort your relative while in hospital.

If your relative doesn’t need emergency admission, you will need to get approval for the subsidy before you travel.

Phone or visit the patient travel office at your local hospital to discuss eligibility and the application process.

If admitted unexpectedly, visit the ward’s social worker to help you with the local hospital. Direct billing can be arranged so you only pay the accommodation provider the difference between the subsidy and the full cost of accommodation.

Other accommodation providers

You may be eligible for accommodation from other community agencies such as Returned & Services League (RSL), the Cancer Council and Ronald McDonald House.

Returned & Services League (RSL)

The RSL offers community emergency accommodation facilities across Queensland.

These services are available for veterans, ex-service members, their dependants and other personnel who are homeless as a result of crisis. Short-term accommodation is available for specialist medical treatment or counselling. For more information visit the RSL (Queensland Branch).

Cancer Council

Cancer council Queensland provides accommodation for regional cancer patients and their carers when they need to travel for treatment.

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House provides accommodation for families from regional areas, interstate and overseas. The length of stay can be from 1 night to months and years. Visit Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia for more information.