East Renfrewshire baby health visiting service awarded by UNICEF

The service was recognised for continually improving results for families in East Renfrewshire and was highly commended for the way its services have been developed to ensure there are continued improvements in outcomes for babies, their mothers and families as a whole.

Assessors also recognised the ongoing excellence training staff receive and the culture of kindness that is very much evident between staff and patients.

Julie Murray, East Renfrewshire HSCP chief officer, said: “It’s a wonderful achievement for the HSCP to be recognised by UNICEF in this way.

“We are already seeing that the BFI standards are making a tangible difference to babies and their families in East Renfrewshire. It absolutely recognises the importance of empowering close, loving, parent-child relationships and the benefits achieved as a result.

“We have had great feedback from families saying they feel much more confident caring for their baby and that staff are kind and considerate.

“The overwhelming message we are getting from staff is that they feel very motivated by the standards required to meet BFI guidelines and I must thank everyone involved in delivering this exceptional work to our residents.”

The BFI was introduced by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to support breastfeeding and parent-infant relationships to ensure babies get the best start in life.

Supporting breastfeeding is a part of the programme, however the Baby Friendly Initiative aim to raise standards of care for all babies, regardless of how they are fed.

The HSCP also hosts two weekly breastfeeding support groups which all expectant mothers and those choosing to breastfeed can pop along to, get peer support and a chance to meet other mums over a cuppa. These groups take place weekly and there’s no need to book, just come along: Wednesdays, 1.30pm to 3pm, at Eastwood Health and Care Centre, Clarkston; and Thursdays, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, at Auchenback Resources Centre, Barrhead.

Residents looking for any further information or support can also contact our Health Improvement Team directly by [email protected] or by calling 0141 451 0757.