As Minister, I am determined to progress the development of a Perinatal Mother and Baby Unit (PMBU) so that women can have their babies stay with them if they require inpatient psychiatric care.
St. Vincent’s University Hospital has been selected as the location for the main PMBU, due to the co-location of the Acute Mental Health Unit and the new National Maternity Hospital to be developed on the site.
I have secured €470m for mental health capital projects over the next five years. The resources are available to complete this project, but I know there are ongoing deliberations between the HSE and the Hospital about the best location for the Unit on the campus.
The PMBU is designated as a ministerial priority project on this year’s HSE Capital Plan, and I have had several meetings to progress the Unit since the beginning of the year. My first piece of correspondence to the new HSE CEO earlier this year was to seek her support in prioritising the development of the Unit.
As all key stakeholders continue to meet to discuss the project, I want to be in a position to approve a plan for the Unit as soon as possible. I am also working with the REO for the HSE Mid West to progress a smaller PMBU in Limerick so that we can make these supports available on both the East and West coasts.
I want these Units to be available for the women of Ireland, and I'm doing everything I can to deliver them as quickly as possible.
With reference to the details requested in your question, as they are operational issues, I have referred to the HSE for direct reply to you.
