Highland maintains Baby Friendly status
Issued by NHS Highland
Following rigorous reassessment Highland’s Health and Social Care Partnership (Highland Council area) has been advised that it has maintained Baby Friendly status demonstrating that recognised best practice standards and high quality support is provided to mothers and babies.
The Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) is a global partnership between the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef. Baby Friendly works with organisations to promote and support Breastfeeding women, and to better support families with feeding and developing close, loving relationships, ensuring that all babies get the best possible start in life.
High standards and overcoming the geographical challenges are just two aspects which are highlighted by the UNICEF Baby Friendly accreditation team who were in Highland in October to re-assess community teams on their practice, methods and outcomes.
NHS Highland’s Senior Health Improvement Specialist Beverley Green is delighted with the result for the Highland Community. She said: “It was heart-warming to read some of the comments from mothers who were interviewed who use our service. Some of the feedback included: ‘absolutely brilliant, they are great at making you feel calm when everything seems hectic’ and another women commented that she was ‘110% happy with the service’.”
Mrs Green continued: "This award has only been achievable due to the hard work and dedication from everyone involved. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the maternity and health visiting staff, management and the women we serve in the Highland community. Also, thank you to all our Volunteers, Infant Feeding Support Workers and supporting services, particularly for their time and support to Baby Friendly.”
Dr Hugo van Woerdan, Director of Public Health for NHS Highland, said: “This is a great example of NHS Highland and Highland Council staff working together to provide an outstanding service for mums and babies across the Highlands. I am sure others would want to join me in thanking the staff who have worked incredibly hard to achieve this award.”
The Highland Council’s Executive Officer for Health and Social Care, Lesley Webber, welcomed the news of the re-accreditation of The Highland Health and Social Care Partnership as Baby Friendly Organisation. She said: “The Highland Health and Social Care Partnership clearly demonstrate their ongoing commitment to ensuring babies get the best start in life. The feedback from mothers who were interviewed is excellent and highlights the strength of the Partnership."