I'm living the Rainbow dream because of Barts Charity
My name is Jo and I’m the Ward Manager at Newham’s Rainbow Centre for Children and Young People, which was completely redeveloped by Barts Charity in 2017.
I first heard of the Charity when we merged as a Trust – but I didn’t know it was for the whole of Barts Health until they were involved with the Rainbow Centre project.
The new Rainbow Centre
I'm living the Rainbow dream because through Barts Charity, we've got this new building, new refurbished environment, where we're looking after our children and their families.
The surprise from children and families when they first walk onto the ward is priceless! They are in awe of the place and how it is nicely different from the rest of the hospital. It feels like we are trusted to provide excellent care (which we do) due to this bright nice environment.
How my work has benefited
My work is easier because of what Barts Charity have done. We have transferred less patients out of the Rainbow Centre this year because of the state-of-the-art equipment we purchased using the funding. It means we are able to stabilise children at the Rainbow Centre – we were the first children’s ward in the Trust to use Optiflow machines to help children of all ages requiring respiratory support.
This means that we can support more and more children without the need to transfer out to another hospital. Looking after children and their families in their local hospital saves parents time and money on transport and keeps them closer to home.
Should I apply to Barts Charity?
Yes!!! If you have a great idea that will benefit our patients, families and staff in any part of the Hospital then I think you should start discussing your ideas with Barts Charity who are and have always been very supportive.
If people want to take a look at what a great job the Charity have done, particularly for the children of Newham and the surrounding areas, let them come to the new Rainbow Centre and see for themselves. I hope through that other wards and departments in Barts Health will get the same support.
I hope we all get involved in helping raise the profile of Barts Charity by helping to fundraise for excellent causes.
The money that’s donated to Barts Charity really goes into good causes, and I'm living it!
Barts Charity are launching an exciting new fundraising programme at Newham Hospital and they’ll be here on the 2nd August 11.30am - 3pm in the main entrance atrium if you want to find out more about them.