County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust (CDDFT) is celebrating after its Neonatal Service became the first Special Care Baby Units (SCBU) in the Northern Neonatal Network to achieve the prestigious UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Neonatal Accreditation.
The achievement was celebrated at Darlington Memorial Hospital, where Chief Executive Steve Russell and Director of Nursing, Gill Hunt, presented the team with their award and unveiled the unit's Baby Friendly plaque in recognition of their commitment to providing outstanding family-centred neonatal care.
The internationally recognised accreditation reflects four years of work to improve the experience of babies and their families, supporting parents as their baby's primary caregivers while promoting and supporting the provision of breastmilk and breastfeeding, encouraging and empowering parents as their baby’s primary caregivers.
The accreditation also recognises the team's commitment to supporting mothers to provide breastmilk for premature and sick babies, supporting their baby’s immune system, helping to give babies the very best start in life.
The journey began in 2021 and involved significant changes to policies, staff education and ways of working. Following a successful assessment earlier this year, the team achieved full accreditation in February 2026.
Gail McAllister, Neonatal Sister, Infant Feeding Lead and UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Project Lead, said:
"Receiving this accreditation is an incredibly proud moment for our whole team. It reflects four years of hard work, commitment and collaboration to improve the experience of babies and their families during what can be one of the most challenging times in their lives.
"While supporting breastfeeding and breastmilk is an important part of the Baby Friendly standards, this accreditation is about so much more. We've worked hard to create a culture where parents are recognised as their baby's primary caregivers, are fully involved in decisions about their baby's care, and feel supported to build close, loving relationships with their baby from the very beginning.
"Achieving the accreditation isn't the end of our journey - it's our foundation. We're committed to continuing to develop the service and ensuring every family receives the very best care and support."
Gill Hunt, Director of Nursing, for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"I'm incredibly proud of our Neonatal team for achieving this prestigious accreditation. Becoming the first Special Care Baby Unit in the Northern Neonatal Network to receive this recognition is a fantastic achievement and reflects years of dedication, innovation and commitment to improving care for babies and their families.
"This award demonstrates our commitment to delivering compassionate, family-centred care and ensuring parents are supported and involved throughout their baby's journey. I'd like to congratulate everyone who has contributed to this outstanding achievement."
Amy Coglan, whose family has received care on the unit, said:
"From the moment our baby Nancy was admitted, we felt welcomed and supported. The team made sure we were involved in every decision and encouraged us to be part of our baby's care from day one. The support we have receive particularly around expressing and breastfeeding has been amazing. The whole team have made an incredibly difficult time feel much less overwhelming, and we'll always be grateful for the kindness and support we received."
The Neonatal Service will continue building on the accreditation, with regular reassessments ensuring the high standards achieved are maintained and further developed in the years ahead.
Chief Executive Steve Russell and Director of Nursing Gill Hunt present the team with their award.