Hosptial unit is giving babies 'the best possible start in life'

Staff at Sunderland Royal Hospital's Neonatal Unit are "incredibly proud" after the department was awarded the prestigious Baby Friendly Award.

- by Neil Fatkin

The Baby Friendly Initiative is a global programme aiming to transform healthcare for babies, their mothers and families.

The award is given to hospitals that excel in providing support to families with infant feeding and "developing close, loving relationships to ensure that all babies get the best possible start in life".

The award is part of a wider global partnership between UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The Baby Friendly Award was achieved after three years of dedicated hard work and follows a rigorous assessment by UNICEF to confirm that the service in Sunderland meets best practice international standards.