Plans for new Chester perinatal mental health unit approved

Previously, we reported the plans had been announced for the new unit,with the specialist mental health unit expected to open sometime in 2024.

The plans were submitted by Gilling Dod Architects on behalf of the Cheshire and Wirral Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), stating the new unit would be located within the existing Churton building, with the existing healthcare training site – formerly used as an inpatient ward – being vacated during the refurbishment works.

The Mother and Baby unit would support new and expectant mothers in a therapeutic environment which has been purposefully designed for people experiencing maternal mental health difficulties, such as post-natal depression, psychosis or a relapse of an existing mental health condition.

The building would be extended on the north west side by 178 sq m, and to the south by about 55 sq m, while an angled part of the building facing the 1829 Building would be demolished.

What the current site looks like at the Health Park.

Concerns had been raised by a local resident about the lack of parking at the hospital grounds – not helped by successive developments on the Health Park, plus the failure to recognise the importance of nearby listed buildings or the nearby purpose-built Bat House close to the proposed demolition.

A planning officer from the local authority noted in a report: "The completed unit will be essential in transforming perinatal services in the areas that it serves, as well as any service users admitted from out of area."

The officer noted the development would lead to the loss of 36 car parking spaces. However, the current use of the building was an administration and training centre, and the new use would result in a significant net reduction in traffic throughout the day, and a correspondingly reduced demand for parking spaces.

Permission was granted for the development, subject to a number of conditions.

The design of the surrounding gardens, planning applicants had said, would be focused on making the place feel homely and comforting, using domestic materials at a small scale.

Applicants stated: "Most importantly, the gardens are designed to form a key part of patient's treatment plan in a calm relaxed setting."

The surrounding gardens include a 'mindfulness space', a paved 'pram loop' and a 'family visit area' with outdoor seating.

Patient areas would include a communal lounge, a nursery, a dining area, an area for the sterilisation of baby items and storage of baby milk, a kitchen for the use of patients, a high quality outdoor space with level access, individual patient bedrooms with space for a bed and a cot, patient bathrooms, a quiet area, an area for visitors including children, age appropriate toys for babies and medicine cupboards.

A full range of therapeutic services support for fathers/parents would be included.

The proposed unit will work alongside the existing regional Community Perinatal Mental Health Services which already care for thousands of women every year.

What the interior of the new mother and baby unit would look like in Chester. Source: Planning document.

Sarah Hull, CWP operational lead for Perinatal Mental Health Services, said at the time the plans were announced: “The time around pregnancy and the early days of parenting is such a special time, but it can also make some women vulnerable to new or relapses of existing mental health problems.

“If admission to hospital is required, previously local women have had to travel to other specialist units or face being separated from their baby, which can create further issues with bonding and attachment.

"For women with family and partners this can also make maintaining contact with the new baby challenging and it is particularly difficult for any siblings who are separated from their mother at the same time as accepting the new baby into their lives.”

It is estimated that one in four women experience mental health problems in pregnancy and during the 24 months after giving birth.

The consequences of not accessing high-quality perinatal mental health care are estimated to cost the NHS and social care £1.2 billion per year.

Tim Welch, CWP chief executive, said: “This is an extremely exciting development for our local population and will greatly improve families’ experience of care at this critical time."

Work is already well under way on the Countess of Chester Hospital site on the construction of a new £110 million Women and Children's Building, which is on track to open in summer 2025.