AN INTERNATIONAL award was presented to Great Western Hospital to honour the quality of support they provide to new mothers.

The stage three accreditation from UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Initiative acknowledges the encouragement the hospital’s maternity staff gave to mums, helping them breastfeed their newborns.

To mark the achievement the hospital has been given a blue plaque. A tea party, with some of the mothers who had been helped attending, was held at the unveiling ceremony.

Cathy Gale, infant feeding specialist midwife, said: “I am really pleased and proud of everything that staff here have achieved during a very busy period. This plaque will be a testament to the hard work and commitment of everybody in the Maternity Unit.

“We are very proud as this is a really hard award to win and there is no hiding place. This requires genuine change.”

Before presenting the plaque, a team of UNICEF assessors interviewed new mums about the standard of care they had received from the GWH.

Elizabeth Mayo, UNICEF’s senior professional officer, said: “This award is very special because of the way we assess it.

“We spend a great deal of time talking to staff and mothers and get their views. The hospital should be delighted to receive this award as it is quite the achievement.

“This is also quite emotional for me as I’ve been working on this every step of the way and I’m pleased to be here to give them their plaque.”

The feedback the hospital received praised the efforts of staff encouraging breastfeeding soon after birth along with skin on skin contact between mother and baby. This aims to help create a quick bond.

Kim Manning gave birth to 14-month-old Ziva at the hospital and has volunteered at GWH’s antenatal classes.She said: “It is lovely to see the hospital doing so well and getting the recognition it deserves.”