Written question WQ84028

The Welsh Government has committed to ensuring that mother and baby unit (MBU) provision is made available for mothers who live in North Wales. We recognise the importance of new mothers being able to get the specialist support they need for themselves and their babies closer to home. Having virtually visited the MBU in Swansea earlier this year, I have seen the important impact it can make. In my role as Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, I have asked for and had regular updates on this and I have recently met with the leads from the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee (WHSSC) to discuss this development.

We have commissioned the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee to take a lead on this work. The modelling undertaken in Wales has evidenced that we do not have enough demand to have a standalone unit in North Wales. Therefore, we have been working collaboratively with NHS England to develop a joint unit in North West England which will be accessible from North Wales. There continues to be significant engagement between Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, WHSSC and NHS England regarding the development of this new unit.

I have asked for this work to be taken forward with real urgency. I will continue to receive very regular updates from officials and recently met with WHSCC again to drive this work forward. I have also offered my support to officials in the collaboration with NHS England in order to ensure that this is driven forward at pace.

I can also confirm we are working with the provider to support the Welsh language needs of our patients when developing the unit.