We are delighted to announce that Forth Valley Royal Hospital neonatal unit (NHS Forth Valley Health Board) has successfully completed its Bliss Baby Charter Gold accreditation.
Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto MSP and Bliss Chief Executive Caroline Lee-Davey joined staff and parents for an accreditation ceremony on the Unit today (8 October) to celebrate the achievement.
In an assessment carried out online and in person in July 2025, the unit demonstrated that there are sufficient procedures, practices, and facilities in place to empower parents and carers to be partners in care through joint decision-making and hands on care, as well as understanding families' needs and availability in order to provide truly individualised care. This facilitates a solid foundation for Family Integrated Care (FiCare).
The assessment was carried out by Bliss Baby Charter Officer, Charis Samuels, and Volunteer Assessors, Tanya Dunbar and Victoria McCulloch. The Baby Charter lead for the unit was Kirsty Wotherspoon and the Ward Manager was Pamela Connolly.
It was deemed that the team at Forth Valley is clearly passionate about FiCare and the experience of the families whilst they are on the Unit. They are led by a strong, well respected Ward Manager Pamela Connolly who has pushed the Unit hard to ensure great team cohesion and family integration.
Feedback from parents on the day was extremely positive, in particular with regards to involvement and the support they received from staff. One parent commented 'they would be quite sad leaving the unit' due to the close relationships they have built with the staff.
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.”
Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenny 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.”
Forth Valley Neonatal Unit Ward Manager Pamela Connolly said: "We are absolutely delighted 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."
