Soroptimist International Dungannon meets Health Minister
Members of Soroptimist International of Dungannon have met the Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt and Department of Health officials to find out about progress on a Mother and Baby Unit for Northern Ireland.
Mother and Baby Units are specialist units supporting mothers and babies when inpatient psychiatric treatment for severe maternal mental illness is needed. They are important because each unit ensures that mothers remain with their babies. Highly-trained healthcare professionals work to nurture the mother-infant relationship while managing the mother’s mental health, helping to prevent potential harm to both mother and child.
The Soroptimists were informed that a feasibility study was completed, and Belfast City Hospital has been selected as the location for the new unit. The proposed facility will be a new build, with a focus on delivering improved outcomes for mothers and babies. However, it was acknowledged that the Department of Health faces ongoing financial constraints.
Mr Nesbitt confirmed that a business case is currently in progress but a specific timeline on when the project will complete could not be confirmed at this stage.
Kate Courtenay, President of Soroptimist International of Dungannon, said: “We were warmly received at Castle Buildings by the Health Minister and his team, and had an open discussion about the importance of, and the demand for, this unit. Perinatal care is often overlooked and this will be a vital service for mothers and their babies. We were delighted when Mr Nesbitt said he felt energised by our meeting. We were also impressed with the developments to date and we look forward to finding out about the project and the positive outcomes it will have for mothers, their babies and families when it becomes operational.”