Funding boost for donor milk bank

More than 2,100 premature and sick babies will benefit from a £300,000 boost for Scotland’s donor milk bank.

Public health minister Aileen Campbell announced the three-year funding package that will also give mothers struggling with breast feeding in the early stages access to the donor breast milk. The cash will allow more than 700 of the most vulnerable babies each year to be fed breast milk for longer to cut health risks from being ill or premature.

Ms Campbell made the announcement as the Glasgow-based bank, which provides a Scotland-wide service, celebrated its 40th anniversary.

She said: “This funding will benefit so many sick and premature babies, allowing them to not only get better, but to thrive, and it’s wonderful to meet some of the staff who work hard to support new mothers.”