Senior Policy Researcher for NSPCC Cymru/Wales, Dr Sarah Witcombe-Hayes says: “The opening of the interim mother and baby unit is a long-awaited, but crucial, step forward in providing specialist perinatal mental health provision for families in Wales and a true credit to all those who’ve campaigned so long for it.
“Being able to access mental health support during pregnancy and after birth is vital and has long been the focus of our Fight for a Fair Start campaign, so we’re delighted this unit provides specialist inpatient care for mums who are suffering from severe mental health problems in the perinatal period, while remaining with their babies.
“It’s clear though that there is still more to be done to ensure that all parents can access perinatal mental health support when it is needed. That’s why we want to see all parties commit to ensuring adequate investment in specialist perinatal mental health services, including an accessible mother and baby unit for families in North Wales.
“We’re urging people to sign our petition in support of our campaign to ensure all families get a fair start.”
In Wales, our Fight for a Fair Start campaign calls for adequate funding so families in every area of Wales have access to a specialist perinatal mental health service that meets national standards; accessible MBU for all mums who need specialist inpatient care; a dedicated perinatal mental health midwife and health visitor in each health board; and better support for dads/partners experiencing perinatal mental health problems.
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