A human milk bank in Enniskillen is appealing for more donor mums to come forward.

The Western Trust’s Human Milk Bank service, based at the South West Acute Hospital, supports neonatal units in hospitals across Ireland.

Susan Rogers, lead nurse for public health at the Western Trust, said: "We are indebted to our donor mums who have continued to provide essential donor breast milk for babies in neonatal and surgical units in hospitals throughout the whole of Ireland.

"The Human Milk Bank staff are working very hard to ensure this vital service remains available to all our vulnerable premature and surgical babies as the demand for donor-expressed breast milk at this time is exceptionally high."

Last year, the Human Milk Bank supplied 973 litres of donor milk to 31 units across 27 hospitals in Ireland.

This helped 773 premature babies, including 233 twins or triplets.

Ms Rogers said: "It is essential that we recruit donors on a continual basis.

"I would appeal to expectant mums to consider becoming a donor and for our donor mums to spread the word about the Human Milk Bank as this is the best way to help us recruit new mums."

Contact the Human Milk Bank on (028) 6862 8333 or email tmb.swah@westerntrust.hscni.net for more information.