Pennine Acute Trust shortlisted in Nursing Times Awards 2014

Dr Val Finigan, consultant midwife at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

A clinic set up by The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust to support mums who are struggling to breastfeed their tongue-tie babies has been shortlisted for a health care industry award.

The Nursing Times Awards 2014 take place on Wednesday 29 October 2014 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. The Trust has been shortlisted in the Child and Adolescent Services category for the tongue tie clinic. The Community Services Drop-In Leg Ulcer Clinic at North Manchester has also been shortlisted for the Nursing in the Community category.

Dr Val Finigan, consultant midwife at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: “This tongue tie service means that mothers and babies can get their feeding problems resolved quickly. Mothers do not have to remain on the maternity wards because their tongue-tied babies are struggling to feed. Nor are they likely to stay on the Children's wards because of growth problems or prolonged jaundice due to poor milk transfer. Moreover, babies are less likely to be admitted for infections as breastfeeding is protective of their health.”

“This frees up hospital beds and improves health for both mum and baby, as both are having a more positive feeding experience and breastfeeding for longer.”