Baby Friendly is best for Hospital Trust

York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has been awarded the prestigious Baby Friendly Award and is the latest UK health care facility to win international recognition from UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund).

The award was presented to the team by the Trust’s Chief Executive Patrick Crowley at York Hospital last month.

Head of Maternity, Liz Ross, said: “We decided to join forces with UNICEF UK's Baby Friendly Initiative to increase breastfeeding rates and to improve care for all mothers and babies in our area.

“It’s taken almost five years of work within our maternity units, in the community and with peer supporters to achieve the high standards set by UNICEF to gain full accreditation so we’re very proud. Thanks to a huge team effort we have increased rates of breastfeeding by up to ten percent which is a big achievement and a credit to the skills and expertise of the staff and supporters involved.

"Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as asthma, cardiovascular disease and diabetes in later life. We know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers. Mums are also interested in hearing that it can be easier and cheaper than bottle feeding.”

In the UK, the Baby Friendly initiative works with UK public services to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding and to strengthen mother-baby and family relationships. The award is given after a series of assessments by a UNICEF team has shown that recognised best practice standards are in place.

Chief Executive, Patrick Crowley, said: “Everyone involved in healthcare has a responsibility towards improving public health, and becoming Baby Friendly is a huge statement on behalf of the Trust for today’s mothers and babies and for future generations. Thank you to all involved for their passion and commitment.”

PICTURED Left to right: Liz Ross (Head of Midwifery), Michelle Larkman (new Infant Feeding Coordinator York Hospital), Morag White (retired Infant Feeding Coordinator York Hospital), Jacqui Mortimer (retired Infant Feeding Coordinator Scarborough Hospital)

15 January 2016