‘KIND and considerate’ health visitors are offering a golden standard of care in County Durham and Darlington.

The area’s Growing Healthy 0-5 Health Visiting service was given a gold award by Unicef recently.

Run by the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust, the service ensures families with a child under five have access to a health visiting team that can offer parenting advice and support.

Feedback gathered from parents during a recent Unicef assessment saw 95 per cent of mothers recognise the ‘kind and considerate’ approach of staff.

Unicef’s subsequent report also highlighted the efforts of the team to ensure breastfeeding parents are well supported throughout the area.

General manager Amanda Smith said: “We are such enthusiastic, dedicated teams here in County Durham and Darlington.

“Everyone should be proud of what we’ve achieved.

“This award is entirely due to their hard work in providing the best possible care for mums-to-be, children and families right across the area.

“This award gives assurance to mums-to-be that we provide high quality, practical advice and support and our focus is always what’s best for children and families.”