MONDAY, 5 DECEMBER, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PHOTO ATTACHED

L-R STANDING: NHS TAYSIDE’S HEAD OF MIDWIFERY JUSTINE CRAIG AND ALISON FINDLAY WITH STAFF FROM NINEWELLS NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

Ninewells Neonatal Unit working towards Baby Friendly Award

Ninewells Neonatal Unit has been awarded a Certificate of Commitment in its first step towards gaining the Unicef UK Baby Friendly Award.

Staff from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Ninewells were presented with a Certificate of Commitment in recognition of the work being carried out in the unit to achieve the Unicef UK Baby Friendly Award.

The Baby Friendly Initiative, set up by Unicef and the World Health Organisation, is a global programme which provides a practical and effective way for health services to improve the care provided for all mothers and babies.

Alison Findlay senior charge nurse at NICU said, “We decided to join forces with the Baby Friendly Initiative to increase breastfeeding rates and to improve care for all and babies and their mothers in NICU.

“Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy as well as cardiovascular disease, asthma and diabetes later in life. It is particularly beneficial for premature or sick babies.

“We know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers, and mums might also be interested in hearing that it’s easier, cheaper and simply less hassle than bottle feeding.

“We also set out to ensure that all mums and babies are supported to form a strong loving relationship – whatever their choice of feeding method – as this is the best start for every baby.”

Following a major review in 2012, a decision was made to introduce Baby Friendly standards specifically for Neonatal Units. These standards focus on: supporting parents to have close and loving relationships with their babies; enabling babies to receive breast milk and to breastfeed; and valuing parents as partners in care.

Baby Friendly Initiative Programme Director Sue Ashmore said, “We are delighted that Ninewells Neonatal Unit has received this award.

“Surveys show us that most mothers want to breastfeed but don’t always get the support they need. Mothers in Ninewells Neonatal Unit have the satisfaction of knowing that their nurses and midwives, medical and allied professional staff are aiming to provide the highest standard of care.”

The Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative works with health professionals to ensure that mothers and babies receive high-quality support to enable successful breastfeeding. The Certificate of Commitment recognises that a healthcare facility is dedicated to implementing recognised best practice standards.

Contact:

Anna Michie

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138