How to refer a baby, child or young person

Who is eligible to access our hospice services?

We support babies, children and young people who have a confirmed life-limiting or life-threatening condition. Babies, children and young people can access Rainbows services if they have:

• A life-threatening condition – conditions for which disease-modifying or life-prolonging treatment may be available but may fail, or where intensive therapies and interventions are required to sustain or prolong life. These conditions carry a significant risk of premature death even if treatment is pursued.
• A life-shortening condition – conditions where death in childhood or early adulthood is likely due to the progressive nature of the condition or the absence of effective disease-modifying or curative treatment.
• Severe medical complexity – children with severe medical complexity and vulnerability, including multi-system involvement, profound neurological impairment, technology dependence, or extreme frailty, where there is a significant risk of life-threatening events.

The service is offered to babies, children and young people from birth – 18 years, living within the East Midlands. We are also able to support families antenatally. Any referral for a young person over the age of 18 will be reviewed and considered on an individual basis but may not be appropriate for acceptance at Rainbows.

Referrals can be made by a healthcare professional involved with baby, child or young person. If you require further information please contact the Hospice. If you wish to send any supporting information alongside your referral, please send this to [email protected]

Healthcare professionals and families should be aware that all accepted referrals are reviewed bi-annually and that, during periods of stability, a baby, child or young person may be discharged, and can be re-referred if their health deteriorates in the future.