The Neonatal Unit at the Whiston Hospital has received a prestigious award that recognises the support staff provide to families.

The unit has been awarded green FiCare status, also known as the Family Integrated Care status, operated by the North West Neonatal Operational Delivery Network.

It is the highest standard of accreditation available and reflects the hospital’s commitment to providing the best care for newborn babies with a focus on staff training, parent education, the unit’s environment and the provision of psychological support for families.
.
A pilot study carried out by FiCare showed that parents report feeling less stressed when they were supported by the family integrated care model. Improved outcomes for babies have also been seen, such as improved baby growth rates and increased breastfeeding uptake rates.

Janet Bentham, Paediatric Matron at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the team who gained this accreditation which shows we are delivering the highest standards of care and support to our families.

“Every member of staff has embraced FiCare and made sure families are fully involved in the care of their newborn.

“It’s an honour to receive the highest level of accreditation, but we’re always looking for ways to make the experience even better for our babies and families by listening to feedback from parents to introduce further improvements in the future.”

Director of Nursing at the Trust, Sue Redfern, said: “Achieving this accreditation is a real testament to the team and demonstrates how we deliver consistently safe and effective care in our maternity and neonatal services.”