To ask the Minister of Health for an update on engagement between his Department, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Royal College of Psychiatrists around the business case for a new mother and baby home.

An earlier independent review identified that the model of the proposed 6/7 bedded Mother and Baby Unit should be that as recommended by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the location of the Mother and Baby Unit should be on the City Hospital site, within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

The Public Health Agency have provided a Needs Analysis to derive the optimal bed number taking into account recommendations from the Royal College of Psychiatrist’s for the provision of perinatal mental health services for child bearing women https://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/docs/default-source/improving-care/better-mh-policy/college-reports/college-report-cr232---perinatal-mental-heath-services

The needs analysis proposes that a 6-bed unit is appropriate at this time. The Department have formally confirmed this position with Belfast Trust on 11 August 2025. Belfast Trust has advised that the business case will be finalised within 6 weeks of receipt of the confirmation (22nd September).

The ability to take forward the development of the Mother and Baby Unit will remain subject to the necessary funding being identified.

Improving mental health services, including perinatal care, remains a key priority for me.