Research and education in children’s palliative care

Our ambition is to be recognised as a Centre of Excellence for research and education in children’s palliative and end-of-life care. By carrying out and contributing to research, sharing what we learn and developing the skills of healthcare professionals, we’re helping to improve care at Rainbows and influence practice across the East Midlands and nationally. 

Working with universities, hospices, NHS teams and other health and care partners, we’re building knowledge, developing best practice and helping shape the future of children’s palliative care. 

Our research

Research at Rainbows

We’re a research-active hospice, contributing to national studies as well as developing our own research. Our work focuses on the issues that can make a meaningful difference to babies, children, young people and their families, and helps turn evidence and learning into better care.

Ella Hulme
Education and Training

We’re developing Rainbows as a teaching hospice and sharing our specialist expertise with others. From students and newly qualified professionals to experienced healthcare teams, our education and training help build the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality children’s palliative care.

Research Projects and Partnerships

Collaboration helps our research go further. We work with universities, NHS services, other hospices and national organisations on research that can improve care and influence practice, and share our learning through publications, presentations and professional networks.

Help shape the future of children’s palliative care 

Families, young people and the public have an important part to play in research at Rainbows. 

There are different ways to get involved, from taking part in a research study to sharing experiences and views that can help shape future research. Taking part is always a choice, and deciding not to participate will never affect the care a family receives from Rainbows. 

Get involved in research

Meet our research and education team 

Our research and education work brings together clinical, academic and research expertise, supported by colleagues and partners from across health, care and higher education. 

  • Julie Taylor – Executive Lead for Research & Education
  • Professor Jane Coad – Honorary Strategic Research Lead
  • Wendy Gamble – Research Manager
  • Naomi Seaton – Research Nurse
  • Maxine Hopwood – Research Support Officer
  • Catherine Munsey – Education Lead Nurse
  • Kelly Winn – Clinical Skills Facilitator
  • Helaina Garvey – Clinical Skills Facilitator

Contact our Research Team