NHS Western Isles has been awarded the prestigious Baby Friendly Award and is the latest UK healthcare facility to win international recognition from Unicef (United Nation’s Children’s Fund).
The award was presented to both hospital and community divisions this week.
Catherine MacDonald, NHS Western Isles head of midwifery, said they joined forces with Unicef UK’s Baby Friendly Initiative to increase breastfeeding rates and to improve care for all mothers in the Western Isles.
The award is given to hospitals and community teams after an assessment by a Unicef team has shown that recognised best practice standards are in place.
The awards to hospital and community staff were presented to NHS Western Isles on Tuesday, June 23, by Theresa McElhone, Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative Professional Lead for Scotland.
She stated: “I am delighted to present these Baby Friendly awards to NHS Western Isles.
"It is evident the huge efforts that have been made here, in getting all staff updated and knowledgeable in the revised Breastfeeding Standards.
"This is a huge achievement for NHS Western Isles, which now joins a number of other areas in Scotland that are fully Baby Friendly accredited.”
NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, commented: “These awards are the outcome of a lot of hard work by our staff, who have, and continue to, demonstrate genuine commitment and determination to achieve high standards of care and support.
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28 June 2015
Mary Munro, Health Visitor and Jann Skelly, Health Visitor Assistant, receive the community award from Theresa McElhone, Baby Friendly Initiative Professional Lead for Scotland.
