A HOSPITAL trust has become the first in Cheshire and Merseyside to gain the prestigious Baby Friendly Award.

Mid Cheshire Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) – which managed Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford and Leighton Hospital in Crewe has been recognised by the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) Baby Friendly Initiative. 

The Baby Friendly Initiative is a global programme which aims to transform healthcare for babies, their mothers, and families as part of a wider global partnership between UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).  

In the UK, the Baby Friendly Initiative works with public services to better support families with feeding and developing close, loving relationships, ensuring all babies get the best possible start in life.

Rachel Asher, neonatal infant feeding lead at Mid Cheshire, said: “This award is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care for all mothers at the trust. 

“At Mid Cheshire, we set out to ensure that all mothers and babies are supported to form a close and loving relationship – whatever their choice of feeding method – as this is the best start for every baby.” 

Jenny Butters, head of midwifery, said: “I would like to congratulate our teams including midwives, nurses and support workers who have been involved in this fantastic award.

“They have continued to work tirelessly to provide the highest standard of care for women and their families.” 

"We are delighted that Mid Cheshire Hospitals has achieved full Baby Friendly status," added UNICEF UK baby friendly initiative programme director, Sue Ashmore.

“Mothers in Cheshire can be confident that their midwives will provide high standards of care.”