Maternity Unit at St Vincent General Hospital in Deinze awarded BFHI label for the third time
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) label – a joint programme of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) – was launched to promote and facilitate breastfeeding worldwide. St Vincent General Hospital in Deinze was awarded this label for the third time on 6 February 2024. 'This recognition confirms our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care,' notes head midwife Sabine Van de Vyver.
To obtain the label, many conditions must be met, including the'Ten Rules of Thumb for Successful Breastfeeding'. This includes, among other things, drafting a strong breastfeeding policy and organising information sessions on breastfeeding. In 2022, the Maternity Unit expanded its breastfeeding promotion and counselling services to include prenatal (during pregnancy) and postnatal (after delivery) lactation consultation. ‘Pregnant women can contact trained lactation consultants with any questions they may have about breastfeeding. They draw upon their knowledge and experience to provide a lot of tips and tricks on how to make the breastfeeding period a success’, Sabine explains further.
And that has not escaped the jury’s notice. On 29 June 2023, three auditors from the BFHI quality cell of FPS Public Health visited the Maternity Unit of St Vincent General Hospital in Deinze. Their review was glowing.
'We expressly wish to congratulate the team for their often innovative and fresh initiatives around mother and child care. The prenatal and postnatal preparation of pregnant women and birthing parents there is supported by a high-performing team of expert care providers.'
Auditors
Director of Patient Care Maaike D’Haenens: ‘Our Maternity Unit previously received this award in 2016 and 2019. The gynaecologists, paediatricians and midwives thereby confirm the continuity and high quality of care at our hospital. We can only be proud of so much expertise and commitment from our physicians and staff.'
Press coverage
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