Rainbow Centre celebrates outstanding care on second birthday
Over 35 areas of outstanding practice at Barts Health were recognised by the CQC in its latest report. One was Newham Hospital's Rainbow Centre...
Newham’s Rainbow Centre for children and young people is celebrating two years since opening its doors.
To coincide with the milestone, the centre has been praised in the latest CQC report as demonstrating outstanding areas of practice at Newham Hospital.
The report commended Rainbow Centre for being a “coherent, well organised and child-friendly environment” where staff felt “reinvigorated and motivated” to work.
Ward Manager Josephine Bakah said the facility has transformed care for Newham’s young patients and created an environment that staff are proud to work in.
“The state-of-the-art equipment, especially the respiratory equipment means we have managed more children on the ward whereas on the old ward we would have had to transfer patients out. The environment is clean and the compliments we receive from parents are great,” she said.
The 22-bed centre opened on 12 February 2017 following a £6.8 million makeover to make the hospital experience for children and their families as pleasant as possible. It takes a holistic care approach, featuring colourful walls, a garden, activities rooms and schoolroom, as well as providing weekly activities for children and their families spending time in hospital.
Since being in their new home the ward has implemented a star of the month award that is voted for by patients and has introduced a new feedback system. The centre has child-friendly comment cards and a box at the perfect level for children to post their responses, as well as drawings and comments from children displayed on the wards.
One initiative that the CQC highlighted as an outstanding area of practice is the introduction of a learning disability passport to paediatrics. The passport meets the individual needs of vulnerable patients and those with specific needs by giving a comprehensive overview of factors that may influence the child’s care. This includes their medical history, dietary requirements, any special equipment needed and likes and dislikes. It allows staff to stop repetition, have a more efficient handover, and ensures they aren’t continually asking questions that may upset patients and their parent or carer.
Managing Director Tony Halton said: “The centre is the heart and soul of our women’s and children’s division and is a shining example of Newham at its best.”
Happy Birthday Rainbow Centre!