The tiniest patients, held closest: a Telford neonatal unit earns UNICEF's highest Baby Friendly award

The Neonatal Unit at the Princess Royal Hospital in Telford, England — where the smallest and earliest babies are cared for — has achieved Stage 3 accreditation under the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, the programme's highest level. The award is based on what parents themselves report: that feeding support, close contact and relationship-building care are not occasional kindnesses but the unit's everyday standard. The unit reached Stage 2 in July 2025 and has now completed the full pathway. 'I am delighted that we have achieved Stage 3 accreditation, recognising our commitment to supporting families and helping parents build close relationships with their babies while achieving their feeding goals,' said Neonatal Baby Friendly Lead Sam Petridis. One mother who took part in the assessment had her daughter at 31 weeks: 'It was a huge shock.'

SDG 3 · Good health and well-being — Mechanism: institutional program