The Public Health Association (PHA) has gone into damage-control over its widely-panned opposition to Ronald McDonald House, claiming its position was "misrepresented''.

The public health advocates' opposition to a Ronald McDonald House in the rebuilt Dunedin Hospital has attracted a barrage of public criticism in the South.

Yesterday, in a statement titled ``Public Health Association widely misrepresented on Ronald McDonald House Charities'', chief executive Warren Lindberg said the association supported providing accommodation for sick children and families.

However, Mr Lindberg's statement reiterated the main point in the association's original statement opposing the multinational-backed charity.

``Our criticism is of the undesirable marketing of the fast food industry arising from the naming rights held by the McDonald's brand,'' Mr Lindberg said.

``Funds to maintain the services provided to families come from community fundraising efforts and Ministry of Health subsidies as well as from the fast food industry.

``Yet by holding the naming rights, there is a powerful perception that the service is dependent on the generosity of McDonald's.

``People are unaware of the funding sources and of the power of branding.

Mr Lindberg called on McDonald's to ``give up the naming rights'' while continuing to provide financial support.

Southern District Health Board's public health arm Public Health South has said Ronald McDonald's presence in the health sector ``contradicts basic public health principles''.

While the DHB's overall position is neutral, it has been criticised due to the view of its public health arm.

An online petition calling on the board to support a Ronald McDonald facility had more than 9500 signatures yesterday.

Petition organiser Jacqui Hellyer, of Dunedin, said she was surprised by the number of signatures it attracted in three days.

Mrs Hellyer stayed at Ronald McDonald houses in Christchurch and Auckland with her daughter. ``If you're away from home needing medical care with your child they're essential.''

Mrs Hellyer plans to present the petition to health board commissioner Kathy Grant later this month.

National Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean weighed in to criticise the public health advocates.

``I think the Otago-Southland Public Health Association has failed to understand the caring principles and core values around the Ronald McDonald philosophy and I do not think they have the right to deny families the opportunity to access these facilities.''

Mrs Dean said the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Southland Hospital provided ``amazing support''.

Last month, Counties Manukau DHB dropped plans for a Ronald McDonald House in Middlemore Hospital after taking advice from public health staff.

There is no formal proposal as yet, but the charity has expressed interest in establishing one in the new Dunedin Hospital.