“Forward thinking” Health Visiting staff at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust have been recognised for delivering high-quality care and support to families – earning a Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) reaccreditation.
The BF Initiative, set up by Unicef UK, aims to improve outcomes for babies, mothers, and families by ensuring that health and public services provide high-quality, evidence-based support for infant feeding and early parent-infant relationships.
The standards are designed to ensure that all healthcare professionals can enable best practice and ongoing support to families for successful breastfeeding, responsive feeding and parent-infant relationship building.
The Trust’s Healthy Child Programme (part of the 0-19 Health Visiting Service) was first BFI Accredited (stage three) in 2017 and has focused on continuous service improvement to maintain this prestigious award. The service was reaccredited earlier this year.
Caroline Mansell, Senior Project Manager for Walsall Together, said: ”The Health Visiting Service, with training, and support from its’ Infant Feeding Team, has worked incredibly hard over the last eight years to consistently ensure a high standard of care for babies, mothers, and families in Walsall.
“We were pleased to hear the assessors were impressed with the way the programme is delivered and evaluated within the service – highlighting a well-educated workforce and positive outcomes described by families.”
During a week-long assessment, assessors interviewed staff to review the quality of care while asking families about their experiences. A thorough review was also carried out including service policies, guidelines, and training materials.
Lisa Carroll, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “We are so proud of this forward-thinking team.
“The reaccreditation is all thanks to their enthusiasm, commitment, and innovative ways of working. Importantly, it acknowledges how the service reflects the voices of those in our care.
“I’d like to thank the team for their efforts, it’s clear many families have benefited already, and many more will feel that positive impact, no doubt.”
Keri Christie, Professional Lead for the service, added: “This is a testament to the hard work of those involved. Well done everyone – it’s something to be incredibly proud of.”
Feedback from mothers referenced the ongoing support given by staff, including clear explanations and a compassionate approach.
The team has received a certificate in recognition of this achievement.
As a fully awarded BFI facility, the Health Visiting Service will undergo external reassessment in three years’ time to demonstrate that the standards are still embedded in practice.