New Family Room inside Dell Children's

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Ronald McDonald House Charities is expanding at Dell Children's Medical Center on Wednesday.

Officials will cut the ribbon on the new Family Room inside the hospital, to be used by families who don't want to leave the hospital while their child is being treated.

"I visit my babies every day, so the Family Room is a home away from home for me," said Sarah Wells, mother of four. "It provides some normalcy and comfort during this stressful time in my family's life."

Wells has twins -- born under three pounds -- being cared for in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Located next to the NICU, the new room includes sleeping rooms, a bathroom with shower, laundry facilities, a living area, Internet-accessible computers, a kitchenette and a play area for children.

Ronald McDonald House Charities officials said they expect to service an additional 500 families each year with the new addition.

The room is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.