The Western Health and Social Care Trust has been recognised by UNICEF for its commitment to promoting breastfeeding.

The South West Acute Hospital and Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex's maternity teams and health visiting services were awarded gold at the Baby Friendly Award.

This accolade celebrates the dedication of staff across the Western Trust in supporting families.

Donna Keenan, executive director of nursing, midwifery at Western Trust and AHP services, said: "The Western Trust promotes breastfeeding as the healthiest way for a mother to feed her baby and recognises the important benefits of breast milk for both the mother and her child.

"Western Trust staff have dedicated a huge amount of time and hard work to the implementation of this initiative over the past number of years.

(Image: Western Health and Social Care Trust)

"We are deeply passionate about supporting parents and families and delighted to be recognised for our commitment in leading the way in breastfeeding practice for the population across the Western Trust geography."

The Baby Friendly Initiative, a global programme established by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation, provides a practical and effective way for health services to improve and maintain the best standards of care for mothers and babies.

It works with public services in the UK to promote breastfeeding, safe bottle feeding, and strengthen mother-baby and family relationships.

The maternity and health visiting services in Fermanagh and Omagh first achieved the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) Gold accreditation in 2020.

This was successfully revalidated in 2021 and 2024.

The award acknowledges the services' consistent provision of the highest standards of care for mothers and babies, and the leadership, culture, and systems in place to sustain this.