July 2005

Baby-friendly tag for Ballarat Hospital

Ballarat Base Hospital has again been recognised by the World Health Organisation and UNICEF as a Baby-Friendly Hospital.

Three years ago Ballarat Base was the first hospital in the Grampians-Central Highlands Region to be accredited as a Baby-Friendly Hospital.

It has again met the 10 accreditation standards to qualify as a Baby-Friendly Hospital under the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) developed by the WHO and UNICEF.

Manager of Women’s and Children’s Services Desley Beechey said the project was designed to give every baby the best start in life.

‘This is done by creating a healthcare environment where breast-feeding is the norm and implementing practices promoting the health and well-being of all babies and their mothers.

‘This accreditation acknowledges the competency of the Maternity Unit staff and is reflected in the ability of the mothers in their breast-feeding knowledge and awareness.’