Synopsis

Discussing the successful delivery of a new perinatal mother and baby inpatient unit, highlighting how co production, experts by experience and person centred design were central to achieving a safe, appropriate and effective therapeutic environment. How design of Perinatal spaces necessitates a balanced approach to risk and the importance of placemaking. Key focus on the benefits of adapting/repurposing an underutilised asset within an active health campus and reflecting on the delivery challenges of operational constraints on a busy clinical site. Approximately 1 in 4 women will have a mental health problem during pregnancy and/or in the first year after birth and up to 4 in 1000 of these women will require an admission to a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU). MBUs are specialist inpatient units for women with severe mental health problems in the perinatal period where they can be admitted with their baby. Mental illness at this crucial time can affect a mother’s relationship with her baby. It can undermine a woman’s confidence and belief in her ability to be a good mother. MBUs are designed to keep mothers and their babies together. Specialist staff nurture and support the mother infant relationship on the ward at the same time as the mother has treatment for her mental illness. Women who require an MBU admission often have to go far away from their home and support network due to the limited number of units in the UK. Seren Lodge will give the women and families of Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales access to their own specialist provision.