2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:50 pm on 15 June 2021.

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Photo of Llyr Gruffydd Llyr Gruffydd Plaid Cymru 2:50, 15 June 2021

(Translated)

It's four years now since the Children, Young People and Education Committee of the last Senedd held an inquiry into perinatal mental health in Wales. Now, among the recommendations accepted by the Government was that the Government, in light of the fact that the mother and baby unit situated in south Wales isn't appropriate for mothers and parents in north and mid Wales, should engage as a matter of urgency with the health service in England to discuss options for the creation of a centre in the north-east that could serve populations on both sides of the border. We in the north are still waiting for such provision.

You may have seen the coverage given this week to the case of Nia Foulkes from Pentrecelyn near Ruthin and her experience of having to travel to Manchester for mental health services after the birth of her son. Not only was the experience of being so far from home and so far from her child nightmarish for her and her family, but all of the care and therapy provided was through the medium of English and she felt that she couldn't express herself properly, particularly given her state. Now, Nia has explained how she thinks her recovery would've been very different and far swifter had there been a unit available closer to home that provided services to her in her mother tongue. I'm sure you will join with me in thanking Nia for her courage in speaking out about that difficult experience. Can I ask, therefore, for a statement from the health Minister to update the Senedd on what intentions the Government here has to revisit the recommendation made in that Children, Young People and Education Committee report to consider options for that service and look anew at establishing a specialist mental health unit for mothers and babies in north Wales?