A North Wales MS has backed a petition for a specialist mother and baby unit in the region.

A petition calling for a specialist mental health mother and baby unit in North Wales was considered by the Petitions Committee for the first time on Monday 24 January 2022. Nia Foulkes, from Pentre-celyn near Ruthin shared her difficult experience to campaign for change and her petition was supported by 7,706 signatures.

A letter has been written to Health Minister Eluned Morgan regarding the outcome of the petition committee meeting.

Jack Sargeant MS, Chair of the Petitions Committee said: “Nia has bravely shared her painful experiences of being so far away from family and friends during such a difficult time, compounded by the fact that she couldn’t speak her first language. This is not good enough.”

“As a committee we agree it’s essential that mothers who are very unwell receive care and support which enables them to express themselves and be understood in their language of choice. We’ve written to the Health Minister for urgent clarification on what the plans are for a mental health mother and baby unit in north Wales, its specific location, timescales and how they will ensure mothers can receive services in Welsh.”

“We’ll consider the petition again once a response has been received from the Welsh Government.”