Medway neonatal unit receives prestigious BFI recognition

Following a thorough assessment process, which included interviews with parents, families, colleagues and managers, a tour of the unit and a review of its resources, the Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit was awarded level three accreditation under the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI). To achieve the milestone, the unit at Medway Maritime Hospital had to evidence how it supports women to recognise the importance of breastfeeding and to continue breastfeeding for as long as they wish. Staff showed how they help women to make informed decisions regarding the introduction of food or fluids other than breastmilk and how they are improving the care mothers and babies receive on the unit. Finally, they provided evidence that demonstrated how they help families build close and loving relationships with their baby.

The report, which was produced following the visit in January 2025, said: “The Oliver Fisher Neonatal Unit has met all the criteria relating to level three accreditation and the staff are commended for the efforts made. It was clear to the assessment team that parents with a baby on the neonatal unit receive a very high standard of care.”

A plaque and certificate to commemorate their achievement will be sent to the team in the coming weeks for them to display on the unit.

Sarah Clarke, Matron, says: “We have been working towards the award since we achieved level two in August 2022 and it reflects our ongoing commitment to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care for all mothers and babies on the unit.

“Some of the things we have done which led to us achieving level three include the staff receiving BFI introductory and yearly training, which is provided by our BFI lead nurses on the unit and improving the service user’s experience. This includes carrying out family-led ward rounds to ensure families are involved in their baby’s care, food and drink for families, and recliner chairs and breast pumps at each cotside to encourage families to spend as much time with their baby as possible. Funding for the coffee room and the reclining chairs was provided by the Oliver Fisher Special Care Baby Trust which supports the neonatal unit.

“All families are encouraged to have skin-to-skin contact with their baby as soon as their baby’s clinical condition allows to help them develop close and loving relationships.”

Claire Dawson from the hospital’s Infant Feeding Team adds: “Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses, including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy, as well as cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes and obesity later in life. We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers, and that it supports the mental health of both mother and baby.

“On the unit, we make every effort to support families to form a close and loving relationship, whatever their choice of feeding method, as this is the best start for every baby.”

To ensure standards are embedded and maintained, the unit will be reassessed every two years under the scheme.