Gold star for north from Baby Friendly Initiative
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THE high quality support provided to mothers and babies in the Highlands has been praised as the region maintains its baby-friendly status.
The Highland Health and Social Care Partnership demonstrated best practice during a rigorous assessment for the re-accreditation.
The Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI), a global partnership between the World Health Organization and Unicef, works with organisations to promote and support breastfeeding women, and to better support families with feeding and developing close, loving relationships, ensuring all babies get the best possible start in life.
The accreditation team, which visited the Highlands in October to re-assess community teams on their practice, methods and outcomes, highlighted their high standards and overcoming the geographical challenges.
NHS Highland’s senior health improvement specialist Beverley Green was delighted with the result.
“It was heart-warming to read some of the comments from mothers who were interviewed who use our service," she said.
"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 per cent 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 it was 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,” he said.
Highland Council’s executive officer for Health and Social Care, Lesley Webber, welcomed the news of the re-accreditation.
“The Highland Health and Social Care Partnership clearly demonstrate their ongoing commitment to ensuring babies get the best start in life," she said. "The feedback from mothers who were interviewed is excellent and highlights the strength of the partnership”.
