One of only 18 hospitals in Massachusetts to earn prestigious award

Norwood Hospital recently celebrated its recent Baby-Friendly designation, as awarded by Baby-Friendly USA, Inc., the US authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (“BFHI”), a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

According to Sheila O’Neil-Dixon MSN, RN, Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist /Small Miracles Maternity Unit, Norwood Hospital, this designation is special for the region. “Of the 44 birthing centers in Massachusetts, Norwood Hospital is the 18th to earn the Baby-Friendly designation. In our region, we are the only hospital who has met the rigorous standards outlined by Baby-Friendly USA to support the health of our moms and their babies.”

Norwood Hospital staff celebrate Baby-Friendly designation. From left to right:
Bruce Weinstock, MD, Chief of Pediatrics
Justine DeFronzo, RN, BSN, MBA, Chief Nursing Officer
Sheila O’neil-Dixon, MSN, RN Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist
Jessica Buinicki, MSN, RN Director of Maternity Services
Nakhle Tarazi, MD, Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Salvatore Perla, DPh, President

About Baby-Friendly USA
Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (“BFHI”), a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative encourages and recognizes hospitals that offer an optimal level of care for breastfeeding mothers and their babies. There are more than 20,000 designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently, there are 566 active designated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States.

About Norwood Hospital
Norwood Hospital is a full-service, 215-bed community hospital for adults and children with a focus on delivering world-class health care along with the latest advances in technology and treatment options. With first class specialists, innovative treatment options, and state-of-the-art technology, including robotic-assisted surgeries for joint replacement, the hospital campus provides exceptional care throughout Norfolk County and surrounding areas. Norwood Hospital has received many awards including 2018 Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award, MBSAQIP (Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program) Comprehensive Center Accreditation Award, and has been designated as two Blue Distinction+ Centers by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for Maternity Care and for Knee and Hip Replacement. Norwood Hospital is part of the Steward Health Care System LLC. Additional information is available at www.norwood-hospital.org.

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