‘Remarkable’ two decade first for Townsville University Hospital

Townsville University Hospital has celebrated a major milestone that’s seen it recognised as one of the four best hospitals in the country in a notable category.

Australian College of Midwives midwifery adviser Tani Paxton (front left), lactation consultant Nicole Audas, Director of midwifery Dr Kendall George, Queensland Branch Chair Michelle Warriner (back left), registered midwife Alicia Khan, and lactation consultant Kristy Kelly.

Townsville University Hospital has celebrated a major milestone that’s seen it recognised as one of the four best hospitals in the country in a notable nationally accredited category.

The hospital is now not only the first tertiary healthcare institution to achieve a baby friendly accreditation through the Baby Friendly Health Initiative but one of only a handful of hospitals who have kept the rating for 20 years running.

Director of midwifery Dr Kendall George said the accreditation was recognition of the staff’s commitment to mothers and their newborns.

“We were the first tertiary hospital in Queensland to achieve baby friendly accreditation back in 2003, and it’s a remarkable achievement to now be celebrating 20 successful years supporting mums and bubs,” Dr George said.

“There are only four hospitals in Australia that have marked this milestone and I am so very proud of the work our staff do in supporting positive breastfeeding outcomes for mothers and their babies.”

New parents Scott Stokes and Chaia Morley have just started their breastfeeding journey with baby Maia Stokes. The family is pictured with lactation consultant Nicole Audas.

The initiative, through a partnership with the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, aims to promote healthy and safe breastfeeding practices for newborns and their mothers.

Dr George said that one of the most important aspects was ensuring that new mothers had the right information, and support, to take their first steps into parenthood with confidence.

‘‘Providing information to all mums helps them to make an educated decision on how they

would like to feed their babies,” Dr George said.

Australian College of Midwives midwifery adviser Tani Paxton (front left), lactation consultant Nicole Audas, Director of midwifery Dr Kendall George, Queensland Branch Chair Michelle Warriner (back left), registered midwife Alicia Khan, and lactation consultant Kristy Kelly.

“There are many health advantages that come from breastfeeding and the research increasingly demonstrates a link between optimal feeding and a reduced risk of developing a range of illnesses and chronic disease.

“Our role as a baby friendly hospital is to ensure all families understand the importance of adequate nutrition, especially within the first 12 months of a child’s life, on the growth and development of the child.

‘‘Providing North Queensland mothers and babies with the very best foundations for their journey together is at the heart of all that we do.’’
Last Friday Australian College of Midwives midwifery adviser Tani Paxton and Queensland Branch Chair Michelle Warriner presented staff at TUH with their accreditation and a certificate celebrating the achievement.

“Being recognised as a BFHI accredited facility demonstrates a commitment to exceptional safety and quality standards” Ms Paxton said.

“Women birthing at a BFHI accredited hospital know their breastfeeding journey will be supported and encouraged and that their choices will be respected.”

Originally published as ‘Remarkable’ two decade first for Townsville University Hospital