| Report of Head of Overview and Scrutiny |
Purpose of Report 1. To explain the outcome of the Scrutiny Review carried out by Darlington Borough Council to promote breastfeeding as an important factor in health improvement.
Background 2. With the assistance of funding from the Centre for Public Scrutiny, Darlington Borough Council have carried out a Scrutiny investigation to improve the take-up and continuation of breastfeeding in Darlington.
3. The importance of breastfeeding to provide a healthy start for children was recognised in this Sub-Committee’s study into child health in County Durham.
4. The recommendations made by Darlington Scrutiny Committee, which may be relevant for County Durham, are:
· The issue of breastfeeding be addressed more pro-actively in the workplace and formalised through dissemination of information to employees on the opportunities to breastfeed or express milk on returning to work. The public sector should lead by example.
· A consistent standard of facilities for breastfeeding women be provided in all Darlington Borough Council’s buildings.
· A breastfeeding friendly accreditation scheme be developed for Darlington through the Local Strategic Partnership.
· A breastfeeding strategy for Darlington based on the UNICEF model be developed through the Darlington partnership.
Recommendation 5. That the outcome from the Darlington investigation be used to promote breastfeeding in County Durham.
| Contact: Ian Mackenzie Tel: 0191 383 3506 |