A new mother and baby unit, which started treating patients last year, was officially opened this week by Andrew Robertson, Chair of NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) and Calum McLeod, former Head of Mental Health (now retired), who was instrumental in taking the project forward.
The new unit, which was part of the £10.7 million investment on the Leverndale site, provides a modern state-of-the-art facility for new mothers suffering severe mental illness following the birth of their baby.
The mother and baby unit provides single room accommodation with good therapeutic space. The design is a modern development which seeks to reduce stigma and also to provide environmental space, including external gardens and green environments.
The new six bedded unit replaces the old facility which was provided in a victorian building on the Southern General campus and treats patients from across the West of Scotland.
Andrew Robertson, Chair of NHSGGC, met staff and patients before officially declaring the new facility open.
He said: “I am honoured to officially open this impressive new facility which brings state-of-the-art healthcare to new mothers who need additional mental health support and care after the birth of their newborn.
“This development is another significant step forward in the modernisation of mental health provision in Glasgow and Clyde.”
Dr Roch Cantwell, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist, added: “We are delighted to be able to offer care and treatment, in such high quality facilities, to women from across the west of Scotland who require admission along with their babies.”