New service to help support families at Rainbows Hospice

RAINBOWS Hospice for Children and Young People has created a new service which helps and supports families who experience the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.

Natalie Horton, who has worked as a Nurse at Rainbows for 11 years, has developed the role of a Neonatal Link Nurse – which will see her working closely with the Neonatal Units across the

East Midlands, including Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital.

Neonatal units specialise in the care of babies born too early, with low birth weight or who may require specialist treatment following birth.

Rainbows is now in a position to work alongside hospital teams to support families, allowing the parents of babies with palliative care needs to make a more informed choice about the care they receive.

Natalie said: “As a hospice, we would like to work closely with the hospital teams to provide extra support for families of babies who die before, during or shortly after birth or those who are born with a life limiting or life-threatening condition.

“We are able to care for the whole family after the death of their baby and have the facilities to care for a baby after death within the hospice or in the home environment.”

Rainbows has a dedicated team of medical and non-medical professionals.

It is able to offer a range of specialist services including bereavement, sibling, family, cultural and spiritual support.

Natalie added: “The families that have received support from Rainbows have told us it has made an enormous difference to their lives. We are very keen that to be able to help more families in the future and welcome those interested in hearing more about this service to get in touch.”

To find out more, contact the Family Support Team on 01509 638000