New Rainbow Clinic room opens at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital
New Rainbow Clinic room opens at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital
15 May 2026
A rainbow pregnancy is one that follows baby loss. Due to an increased risk of complications, these pregnancies often need closer monitoring, and understandably, experiencing pregnancy after loss can bring up a range of emotions.
To help, we raised more than £48,000 to support families experiencing a rainbow pregnancy, which has funded a private space for appointments and counselling, including a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine, examination couch and specially curated artwork.
Consultant obstetricians Dr Jasmine Tay and Dr Sana Usman spearheaded the opening of the Rainbow Clinic at Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea after seeing the benefits of similar clinics across the country.
Sana shared how the new room has impacted patients’ experience of the clinic: “Previously, consultations were often delayed while waiting for clinical machines to become available, and patients were sometimes seen in rooms separated only by dividers for intimate examinations, which could increase distress and anxiety.
“Importantly, the new space is located away from the area where pregnancy loss may have been diagnosed, making the experience less triggering and more sensitive for women and their families. The design of the room also allows partners and wider family members to be accommodated comfortably during in-depth discussions and counselling sessions.”
Left to right: Sana, Eziah and Shannon in the Rainbow Clinic room.
Local mother Shannon gave a speech at the opening, describing her experience following the loss of her first son at 28 weeks and her subsequent rainbow pregnancy, which inspired her to support the Rainbow Clinic Appeal.
She said: “When I discovered I was pregnant again in 2024 with my second son, I was torn between excitement and overwhelming fear. I just didn’t know if I could go through it all again. Returning to Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea was difficult because of all the memories and the pain, having to come back through the ultrasounds, the antenatal appointments. It was really hard. But when I met Sana, it definitely changed.
“From the beginning, Sana guided me. She showed me compassion, she gave me reassurance, and also understanding. At a time when I felt lost and afraid, she gave me something that I desperately needed, which was hope.
“Her support throughout my pregnancy made an immeasurable difference to both my emotional wellbeing, and my confidence moving forward. In August 2024, I welcomed my second son, Eziah, into the world. It was the happiest moment of my life, and I truly believe I could not have reached that point without Sana’s care.
“My experience is a powerful reminder of why the rainbow clinic is so important. For families navigating pregnancy after a loss, having specialist support, continuity of care and compassionate professionals can make all the difference during an incredibly vulnerable time.”
Image above: maternity staff from the prematurity, bereavement and rainbow clinic teams with Carly and Roo Hodgson and Shannon and Eziah.
With the addition of the new room, the clinic has been recognised as an official Rainbow Clinic by Tommy’s, the baby loss charity. This will strengthen collaboration with other centres across the country, expand referral pathways and make specialist care available to local women and families.
We support the maternity services across our hospitals through our Poppy’s Fund. If you would like to find out more or donate, please visit the Poppy’s Fund page.
