Werribee Mercy Hospital celebrated the relaunch of its refurbished mother baby unit (MBU) on Monday, September 8.
The refurbishment included the addition of a specialised inpatient mental health care service for mothers and babies up to 12 months old.
The six-bed unit now includes a garden and private breastfeeding space, and patients will have access to a multidisciplinary team consisting of doctors, clinicians, nurses, psychologists, allied health workers and social workers.
Mercy Group chief executive Angela Nolan said the MBU is one the most “vital” services the hospital offers and will provide early intervention for mothers facing perinatal mental health challenges.
“We know the need for these services is undeniable— across Australia, one in five women experience anxiety or depression during the perinatal period.
“I was one of those mothers, I know what it feels like, and I understand the importance of a unit like this.
“Together, we’re not just building a facility, but a future of better outcomes.”
Divisional director of perinatal services Andrea Kavanagh said the MBU will cater to changing demographics that pose unique challenges.
“Our catchment area includes a rapidly growing population and we know that communities from CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) backgrounds often face additional challenges in identifying the need for assessing perinatal mental health support,” she said.
“Which is why this inclusive, family-friendly refurbishment is both timely and important.”
She said it will offer a model of care that is parent-centred, culturally safe and places recovery, wellbeing and attachment at the forefront of everything–as well give staff more resources to help inpatients.
“Thanks to the refurbishment, we now have improved spaces for group programs, private therapy, family meetings and one-on-one time.
“This allows us to provide flexible, individualised support while involving partners, families and carers in the recovery process.”
The upgrade was funded by a $1.6 million state government investment outlined in the 2022-23 state budget.
