In this section
The Rainbow Clinic is a specialist service for women and their families in a subsequent pregnancy after a baby dies.
We care for families from the time of the postnatal appointment to discuss investigations, onwards and into a subsequent pregnancy. There is a Rainbow Clinic at Saint Mary’s Oxford Road Campus as well as the Saint Mary’s @ Wythenshawe and Saint Mary’s @ North Manchester sites.
The Rainbow Clinic provides additional ultrasound scans to identify placental dysfunction and detect complications earlier in a subsequent pregnancy to allow us to plan further monitoring and birth appropriately.
We make use of the ultrasound scanning methods pioneered in Manchester Placenta Clinic to look at the placenta and the blood flow to and from the placenta in more detail.
In addition, we provide continuity of care and additional psychological support. The bereavement teams at both sites are closely involved in providing care in your pregnancy. This approach has reduced women’s anxiety and stress levels during pregnancies after loss.
What we offer
- Personalised care plan to address the cause(s) of your loss
- An ultrasound scan at 17 or 23 weeks (depending on the circumstances of your loss) and then at regular intervals throughout pregnancy.
- Consultant led care with midwifery support.
- Discussion regarding timing and mode of birth.
Clinics
The clinics are held every Thursday at the Oxford Road Campus and Wythenshawe sites.
How can I access this clinic?
You need to be referred by your GP / midwife / hospital consultant.
Research
We always want to improve the care we give to parents. Research studies are an important way in which we do this. Women attending the Rainbow Clinic may be asked to participate in relevant research studies.
Location
- Saint Mary’s Oxford Road Campus Rainbow Clinic – Tommy’s Research Clinics on the 5th floor in Saint Mary’s Hospital.
- Saint Mary’s @ Wythenshawe Rainbow Clinic – Antenatal Clinic, ground floor, of the maternity unit, access via entrance 13/14.
- Saint Mary’s @ North Manchester Rainbow Clinic – Maternity antenatal assessment unit.
Contact details
The secretary at the Oxford Road Campus site can be contacted on (0161) 7017158, Monday – Friday, 8.30 am – 4.30 pm.
The Rainbow Clinic Midwife at the Oxford Road Campus site can be contacted on (0161) 701 6965.
The Rainbow Clinic midwives at the Wythenshawe site can be contacted on (0161) 291 2930 Monday – Friday 08:30 – 16:30.
The antenatal clinic reception at the Wythenshawe site can be contacted on (0161) 291 2951 Monday – Friday 08:00-17:00.
The Rainbow Clinic at North Manchester can be contacted on 0161 625 8038.
The Team
Oxford Road Campus
- Prof Alex Heazell – Professor of Obstetrics and Honorary Consultant Obstetrician
- Dr Sarah Hamilton – Consultant in Fetal and Maternal Medicine
- Dr Stella Fielder – Clinical Research Fellow
- Specialist Midwives: Emma Tomlinson and Emilie Bailey, 0161 701 6965
- Bereavement Midwives: Faye Dearden and Vicky Sumner, 0161 701 5022
Wythenshawe site
- Dr Elaine Church – Consultant Obstetrician
- Specialist Midwives: Olivia Bunker and Vicky Sumner, 0161 291 2930
- The Lotus Team
North Manchester Site
- Dr Caroline Rice
- Dr Rebecca Hyslop-Peart
- Specialist Midwives: Dawn Littler and Jean Davis
- Bereavement support Worker: Michelle Morgan
For further information about the Rainbow Clinic and SANDS (the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity) please see the links below
What our patients have to say about Rainbow Clinic
Patient Feedback
I would recommend the Rainbow Clinic without any hesitation. This pregnancy has been so tough but it would have been so much more difficult without the support and expertise of the Rainbow Clinic.