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In the lead-up to NHS Lanarkshire’s 2025 Staff Awards, we’ll be shining a spotlight on each of our incredible finalists. First up are Anne Marie Bruce, Infant Feeding Lead, and Susan Short, Public Health Nutritionist, whose strategic partnership has helped transform breastfeeding support across Lanarkshire.
Ten years ago, only 42 per cent of babies in Lanarkshire received breast milk – among the lowest rates in Europe. Today, that figure is 68 per cent, thanks to sustained work across services and communities.
Anne Marie and Susan led this change by embedding Baby Friendly standards, rewriting health board policy, and delivering practical training to more than 870 professionals – including midwives, GPs, and early years staff. Their work ensured that families are met with dignity, consistency and respect wherever they turn for help.
Beyond the clinical setting, they tackled stigma head-on – bringing breastfeeding conversations into community spaces including faith groups, leisure centres and local events. Their work helped North Lanarkshire Council become the UK’s first local authority to gain Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland accreditation.
The results speak for themselves. Breastfeeding rates at six to eight weeks have risen from 21 per cent to 38.4 per cent – with even faster growth in the most deprived areas. First visit rates have also significantly improved, and staff now describe a service where breastfeeding is fully embedded as the norm.
Anne Marie and Susan’s approach – grounded in evidence, innovation and a deep sense of compassion – has delivered one of Lanarkshire’s most significant public health gains in a generation, giving thousands of babies the best possible start in life.
