All change on the Rainbow Unit!

7 November 2003

Changes have been introduced to the Rainbow Unit at the West Suffolk Hospital so that more children can be treated in the dedicated children’s ward.

Previously children needing to be seen in orthopaedic clinic were seen in adult areas, whereas now they can be seen in the child-friendly paediatric clinic.

Miss Sue Deakin is the new Orthopedic Consultant who will be caring for children needing orthopaedic surgery in the Rainbow Unit outpatients department. £3,000 has been raised to provide the necessary equipment for the department, such as plaster saws and trolleys.

“The area is child-friendly, welcoming to families and helps the children to feel relaxed when they come for their appointment,” said Karen Higgins, ward manager.  “In fact, some of them love it so much they don’t want to go home!”

The Rainbow Unit has recently been joined by two new members of staff. Karen Higgins joined the West Suffolk Hospital in September, having worked at Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge for over 7 years. Before that, she worked at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

“I am very pleased to be joining the West Suffolk Hospital, and am glad to be part of the team on the Rainbow Unit who are continually striving to achieve the best care for children and their families,” she said.

Cathy Chapman is the new play specialist for the Unit, and is currently undertaking a course in London to gain her diploma. She has been working in the NHS in the local community for 4 years. A valuable member of the team, Cathy provides play therapy for children undergoing procedures and surgery, helping them to understand what is happening and make the process of being in hospital less frightening.