A capital submission on the development of a mother and baby unit (MBU) within specialist perinatal mental health services is due to be made by the HSE next year, the Medical Independent (MI) has learned.
A HSE spokesperson told MI that funding had been obtained for a feasibility study, which will examine expansion options at Elm Mount Unit in St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin.
In 2017, the establishment of an MBU was recommended in the HSE’s model of care for specialist perinatal mental health services. The unit will provide specialist inpatient care for women with serious mental health conditions during pregnancy or after the birth of their child.
The lack of an MBU means women are admitted to general acute mental health units in adult psychiatry services.
The provision of a specialist unit has long been advocated by professional groups, including the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland and the Psychological Society of Ireland.
“Regrettably, there is currently no unit in Ireland,” the HSE’s spokesperson stated.
“The 2017 Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services Model of Care for Ireland recommends establishing a six-bed mother and baby unit, with potential for expansion to 10 beds, at St Vincent’s University Hospital in HSE Dublin and South East.
“Ongoing consultations between specialist perinatal mental health services, senior mental health services management, and St Vincent’s University Hospital, aim to advance the establishment of a mother and baby unit within Elm Mount Unit.”
According to the HSE, Elm Mount Unit lacks the necessary bed capacity and available space for a dedicated MBU. The HSE outlined that the extensive development of the Elm Mount Unit is “imperative” to facilitate the new service.
“The mental health management team have successfully obtained funding for a feasibility study examining expansion options for Elm Mount Unit, encompassing upward and rearward development,” added the spokesperson.
“This comprehensive process, following HSE procurement policy, includes steps such as soliciting and assessing tenders, ultimately leading to the production of a final report, scheduled for completion in quarter one 2025. It is projected that a capital submission will be advanced in quarter two 2025.”
Around one-in-five pregnant women will have a mental health problem during their pregnancy and in the year after they have a baby, according to the HSE.
Five out of every 100 mothers will have a serious mental health problem. Around two to four per 1,000 women who have a baby will experience mental health conditions that require hospitalisation.
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