North Queensland's first dedicated centre for new mothers experiencing anxiety, depression and other perinatal mental health challenges will be established in Townsville in a move set to transform services for growing families in the region.
The State Government today announced a $39 million funding package to improve perinatal mental healthcare services across the state, including an eight-bed dedicated mother-baby unit at Mater Private Hospital Townsville.
In Townsville to participate in the Future Townsville 2024 forum on healthcare services across Northern Australia, Mater Executive Director, Regional Health Chris Went said the new perinatal mental healthcare service would literally save lives.
"Suicide remains the leading cause of death for new mothers, with one in five Queensland mums experiencing perinatal mental health challenges in the first year after their baby's arrival," Ms Went said.
"Existing services are unable to meet this demand, and a dedicated perinatal mental healthcare service here in Townsville will mark a new era in the care of North Queensland women and babies."
Mater's Senior Manager of Young Adult and Mental Health Greg McGahan said the new purpose-built facility in Townsville would provide a safe space for mums to stay with their babies while receiving treatment and care for mental health diagnoses.
"It will be modelled on the successful partnership between the State Government and Mater in delivering Queensland's first integrated perinatal mental healthcare service, Catherine's House for Mothers, Babies and Families, in Brisbane last year," he said.
"In the past 12 months since it opened, more than 100 women have stayed with their babies at Catherine's House while receiving specialist care from a team of perinatal mental healthcare professionals," he said.
Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman said mental health and wellbeing of new and expectant mothers was crucial during the perinatal period.
"That's why the Miles Government is investing to improve the mental health and wellbeing of new parents and infants across the state," she said.
"We have listened to the needs of Queensland families and I'm so proud that our government is delivering to improve their healthcare across our state."
Ms Went said Mater has been caring for North Queensland mothers and babies since 1947, and today's announcement marked an extension of this commitment to the community.
She said early identification and intervention for perinatal mental health disorders can significantly improve outcomes.
Feature image shows Health Minister Shannon Fentiman and baby Ted with (l-r) Mater Executive Director - Regional Health Chris Went, Member for Mundingburra Les Walker, Member for Townsville Scott Stewart, Mater Group Chief Operating Officer Anji Bissell and Mater Private Hospital Townsville General Manager Stephanie Barwick
