As part of its £2.1m project to support NHS hospitals Liverpool health cash plan provider Medicash is to fund a specialist nurse at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool health cash plan provider Medicash is to fund a specialist nursing post at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital focusing on infant feeding for the next four years.

As part of its £2.1m project to support North West NHS hospitals, the Medicash Foundation will play a pivotal role in the Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI), a global programme in collaboration with UNICEF and the World Health Organisation.

This is dedicated to supporting families in feeding their infants and nurturing close, loving relationships. The BFI assists organisations in maximising breastfeeding opportunities by establishing standards and providing a “roadmap for continuous improvement”.

Founded in 1871 and based in Liverpool city centre, Medicash has become the UK’s oldest and largest corporate health cash plan provider.

In July LBMN revealed its pre-tax profits for the year to December 31, 2023, hit £1.8m while revenues soared almost 25% to a record £51m. It said the surge in demand for company funded health cover shows “no signs of slowing down”.

This recent growth has allowed it to commit £2.1m to the NHS hospitals in the North West via its charitable foundation. 

This new nursing post will enable Alder Hey to pilot and implement the next phase of the BFI initiative, offering additional feeding support to families utilising their services.

Nathan Askew, chief nurse at Alder Hey, said: “All children deserve the best start in life, and we know from research the vital role that breastfeeding can play in this. 

“Breast milk not only contains essential nutrition for infants but also benefits the immune system and strengthens parental bonding.”

Although breastfeeding rates in the UK are rising, they remain lower than in many European countries, with Liverpool falling below the national average. It is hoped that through the BFI pilot, Alder Hey will be able to make a significant impact. 

Sue Weir, chief executive of Medicash and Medicash Foundation Trustee, added: “We are excited to be involved in such an important project that will have a real and positive impact on the lives of future generations in Liverpool and beyond.”