Torbay NHS team retains prestigious award for outstanding infant feeding support

Families in Torbay can continue to expect outstanding support with infant feeding and navigating the early days of parenthood, after a local NHS team held on to a prestigious national award.

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s 0-19 Public Health Nursing Team has retained its UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Gold Award following a reassessment in September.

The award recognises the team’s work supporting families with infant feeding, while helping parents build strong, loving bonds with their babies.

During the reassessment, the service was described as “absolutely a Gold service”, praising the team’s high standards, strong leadership and close working relationships with partner organisations to support local families.

Beyond the award, the team is making a positive difference for local families who are navigating early parenthood and are constantly improving their services.

At the revalidation, 40.9% of babies supported by the service are exclusively breastfed at six to eight weeks, up from 35.5% when the team first achieved Gold.

Closer links with maternity and perinatal mental health services were also recognised, along with closer partnership working with Action for Children and greater access to specialist infant feeding support.

Natalie Aldridge, Professional Lead for Public Health Nursing, 0-19 Service, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud to have retained our Gold Award.”

“It reflects the knowledge, care and hard work of colleagues across our service and the strong partnerships we have built around families in Torbay.”

“Every family is different and infant feeding is a very personal part of becoming a parent.”

“We want families to feel listened to and to have the information and skilled support they need to make the choices that are right for them.”

“I particularly want to thank our Infant Feeding Lead, Gayle Parry, whose passion and dedication have been central to this work, alongside our maternity colleagues and partners at Action for Children.”

“We are delighted with the result, but we will keep learning and improving the support we offer.”

Joe Teape, Chief Executive of Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, added: “This is a fantastic achievement and I’m very proud of our Public Health Nursing team and everyone who has contributed to retaining Gold.”

“What matters is the difference this work makes for babies and families.”

“Having the right support in those early days and weeks can make such a difference, and this award gives us valuable independent recognition of the quality of support our teams are providing.”

Looking forward, the team will continue working on the areas identified through the assessment.

For example, making improvements to audit results and data and involving families and staff in developing services.

The next full Gold revalidation will take place in September 2029.