Call for north-east unit to support new parents with mental health issues
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Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin has backed campaigners calling for a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) to be created in the north-east to support new parents with mental health issues.
The findings of a Scottish Government consultation launched in February show Aberdeen has been backed by the public as a preferred location for a new MBU.
Two units for mothers with mental health conditions – which can include post-natal depression, post-natal anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychotic disorders – are based in Glasgow and Livingston.
There were more than 200 responses and Aberdeen topped the list of suggested areas for a new unit to be based.
Now, Ms Martin has written to Mental Health Minister Kevin Stewart calling for a meeting to outline why Aberdeen should be chosen for the new MBU.
According to figures from the Scottish Government, the two facilities based in the central belt, currently have about 115 admissions every year of women.
This does not include an estimated 125 admissions per year of women within 12 months of childbirth to other inpatient mental health beds.
While they are more likely to be closer to patient’s homes, it means mothers are likely to be separated from their baby while receiving treatment.
Writing to the Mental Health Minister, Ms Martin said: “As you know there is a great deal of support for a MBU to be located in Aberdeen, given that the only other MBUs are in Livingston and Glasgow – many hundreds of miles away from mothers in need in the north of Scotland.
“This issue arose frequently in the Health Social Care and Sport Committee’s work on perinatal mental health, and featured in its report, which you responded to jointly with Maree Todd MSP as the responsible Ministers following its publication in February this year.”
Commenting, Ms Martin said: “We know how important the bond between mum and baby is – particularly in the first 1000 days – ensuring new mothers experiencing mental health issues and illnesses have access to in-patient care while remaining with their baby and close to other children is imperative for their long-term wellbeing.
“Currently a woman from my constituency or further north has to travel hundreds of miles away to access basic health care which can support their recovery.
“We know there is still stigma for many new parents about the mental health challenges becoming a new parent can bring and for many women this has been exacerbated in the last two years by the coronavirus pandemic.
“Many women who may need support may be put off seeking help earlier if they think it means they will be further away from their family and their support network.
“I would like to meet with the Minister to understand what can be done to ensure strong consideration of a MBU in the north-east of Scotland.
"Finally, I’d also like to commend the work of LATNEM who have campaigned vociferously for a MBU to be brought to the region.”
