Forth Valley Royal Hospital Neonatal Unit has been awarded Gold accreditation by the national baby charity Bliss, recognising the outstanding care and support provided to premature and sick babies and their families.

The award was formally presented during a special ceremony at Forth Valley Royal Hospital yesterday (Wednesday 8 October), attended by Jenni Minto MSP, Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health and Bliss Chief Executive Caroline Lee-Davey.

The Bliss Baby Charter Accreditation Programme assesses neonatal units across the UK against best practice standards designed to ensure families are at the heart of their baby’s care. Achieving Gold Accreditation is the highest possible recognition, highlighting the unit’s commitment to delivering high-quality, family integrated care.

Staff in the Neonatal Unit have worked closely with families to create a welcoming environment that supports parents to be involved in their baby’s care, from encouraging skin-to-skin contact to involving families in ward rounds and decision-making.

Neonatal Ward Manager Pamela Connolly said: “We are absolutely delighted to be the first Level Two Neonatal Unit in Scotland to receive the Bliss Baby Charter Gold accreditation. It is a fantastic reflection of the hard work and dedication our staff showcase daily. Here in Forth Valley, we truly believe families are our partners in care and it is a privilege to help them during their neonatal journey.”

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto MSP said: “This is a tremendous achievement for the team at Forth Valley Royal Hospital. The Gold Accreditation from Bliss reflects the exceptional standard of care provided to babies and their families, and the dedication of staff to supporting parents every step of the way.”

Bliss Chief Executive Caroline Lee-Davey said: “This much deserved Gold accreditation reflects the commitment demonstrated by the fantastic staff at Forth Valley to providing an exemplary standard of care for premature and sick babies. It is clear that the families who’ve spent time on the unit have felt empowered to be partners in their baby’s care, side-by-side with professionals, which we know is best for babies and families.”