THE neonatal service at Poole Hospital has been recognised with a prestigious national award.

The team was named winners in the ‘outstanding team’ category at this year’s Zenith Global Healthcare Professionals Awards, held in London.

They share the award with the liver transplant service at Kings College Hospital, London, named as joint winners in the category.

The award was made in recognition of the neonatal service’s impressive performance and feedback from families.

In less than five years, breastfeeding rates have increased from below 40 per cent to more than 75 per cent, some 15 per cent higher than the national average.

And in the last national audit of neonatal care, Poole Hospital outperformed many others, including in the time babies waited to be seen by a consultant.

Professor Minesh Khashu, consultant neonatologist and professor of perinatal health, has led the team for the past 10 years and said staff are thrilled with the recognition.

“We know from the incredible feedback we receive from families that the neonatal care we provide is very well regarded,” he said.

“We also know from audits that the quality and safety of this care is excellent too.

“We work hard as a team – doctors, nurses, advanced neonatal nurse practitioners, therapists, pharmacists and dieticians, together with our administration support and management – to give the best service possible and we’re delighted to have been recognised in this way.”

The awards scheme seeks to recognise frontline individuals and teams working in healthcare across the UK.