NHS Orkney achieves gold award from UNICEF

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We have once again been awarded gold accreditation from UNICEF for our Maternity and Health Visiting Services across NHS Orkney.

Services who have this accreditation must complete annual audits of parents who use the service and of staff who care for babies and their parents to ensure standards are being maintained. In addition to this, services must have a Guardian such as Meghan McEwen (Board Chair), who champions care for babies and their parents at the most senior level of our organisation.

To retain our gold accreditation is testament to both services and the dedication shown by colleagues in these areas. Remaining committed to our promise of looking after our community and providing excellent care.

A few comments from the audit:

  • “100% of surveyed mothers said they were treated with kindness and consideration all of the time”
  • “100% of women surveyed said they were happy with their care”

Lou Brewer, Infant Feeding Improvement Specialist and Health Visitor at NHS Orkney said: “We are committed within health visiting and maternity services to providing excellent person-centred care. Ensuring that babies get the best start in life and that they and their families are treated with kindness and compassion is a huge part of the ethos of UNICEF Baby Friendly and we are very happy to have maintained our Gold status!”

Lauren Flett, Senior Charge Midwife at NHS Orkney said: “I am incredibly proud of our Maternity and Health Visiting teams for the re-accreditation of our UNICEF Gold status. The dedication and hard work ensure that families feel well-informed and supported, enabling them to give their babies the best start in life. Additionally, the Peer Support Service has provided invaluable assistance to new mums and babies as they embark on their breastfeeding journey.”