North Mid opens renovated new children's ward

The Rainbow Ward has reopened following a year-long reconstruction, reports Olivia Opara

The renovated children’s ward at North Middlesex Hospital has opened today (11th September) thanks to multi-million pound investment.

Today, North Middlesex Hospital’s ‘Rainbow Ward’ for babies, children and young people has reopened following a year-long construction and £5.7million investment for the delivery of high-quality care for patients, families and the local community. The Rainbow Ward was previously assigned for adult patients during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The new ward has 16 rooms – four high-dependency rooms, six side rooms, two of which are being designated for children and young adults experiencing emotional, behavioural and mental health challenges, and three two-bedded bays. Each room has ensuite toilet and shower facilities, pull out bed for parents and guardians, and brand-new artwork, designed and produced with children and young people.

The ward also has additional rooms for specific purposes such as a playroom, a teenagers’ room, a parents’ room and a milk storage room.

Clare Oliver, ward manager of the new Rainbow Ward said: “I have worked at North Mid for 27 years and there’s no greater feeling than being able to open our new children’s ward. It’s taken a huge effort from staff across North Mid, from our estates teams, our medical photography team, to our children’s services teams, and I want to thank each and every one of them for helping make this redevelopment a reality.

“Central to creating the new Rainbow Ward has been listening to patients and their families and really understanding what would make their experience here better, and I’m glad we have been able to put in place many of the things they have asked for.”

Lee Anne, mum of two sets of twin children who have been accessing the services at North Mid for eleven years, said: “The Rainbow Ward has been like a second home to myself and to my children who suffer from long term health conditions. Having the ward refurbished in the way it has, will be able to offer us a sense of comfort and security, knowing that we are safe and accessible.

“It really means a lot to us as a family, and I’m sure many other families will benefit from this new ward which has been designed with us in mind.”

Local news needs your support

We are proud that we were at the forefront of reporting on the recent local elections. We can’t do this without the support of our readers.

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.