HALTON’S community midwives, health visitors and family nurses have won a prestigious award

The team who work for Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust have retained retained Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative accreditation.

The accolade recognises the excellent support they provide to new mums.

Halton children’s centre teams, provided by Halton Council, have also achieved the full accreditation standard for the award for the first time.

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.

Assessors praised the excellent working relationship between services and mums, the kindness of staff and the helpful support provided.

Anne Doyle, Bridgewater’s assistant director for Children’s Services in Halton said: “I am pleased that Unicef has commented so positively on the care that our health visitors, midwives and family nurses provide to families in Runcorn and Widnes.

“We are committed to supporting all new mothers so they can form a loving relationship with their baby.

“We provide information and advice on infant feeding as well as how to effectively communicate and respond to their child.”

Halton Cllr Marie Wright, board member for health and wellbeing, said: “Breastfeeding gives infants the ideal start in life.

“We’re delighted that Halton’s Children’s Centres have been awarded this accreditation.

“It’s a great reflection of the hard work the staff put in every day to support mums and families in Halton, supporting them to make informed choices and offering help when it’s needed.

Halton Cllr Tom McInerney, board member for Children, Young People and Families, added: “I would like to congratulate everyone at our Children’s Centres for achieving full accreditation which is richly deserved.

“They have worked so hard and are all totally committed to ensuring that every mother and baby gets the best possible care, help and advice.”