New Specialist Mother and Baby Mental Health Unit Brings Care Closer to Home for North Wales Families

The NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC) is proud to have partnered with providers across England and Wales to commission Seren Lodge, a new £7.5 million Mother and Baby mental health hospital in Chester. Opening on 18 December, the unit gives women in North Wales improved access to specialist postnatal mental health care.

For mothers who require admission for severe mental ill-health during pregnancy or after birth no longer need to travel long distances to units in Manchester or Birmingham. Instead, they can access care closer to home, remain connected to loved ones, and benefit from a bilingual service designed to support recovery in a therapeutic environment.

The name ‘Seren Lodge’ was chosen by mothers with lived experience. ‘Seren’ means ‘star’ in Welsh and was selected to represent hope and positivity, while also reflecting the strong cross-border collaboration behind the project. Their involvement has been invaluable in shaping a space that truly meets patient needs. From the overall calming design to thoughtful details, such as cushioned headboards for more comfortable night feeds and dimmable lighting.

As the commissioner of specialist mental health services in Wales, NWJCC worked with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB), Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, NHS England, and other partners to ensure this service meets the needs of Welsh patients. To further strengthen the service, NWJCC has funded a dedicated in-reach/outreach and enhanced triage practitioner role. This funded position will operate across Seren Lodge and other Mother and Baby Units in the North West, providing in-reach and outreach support as required, and contributing to enhanced triage within the core perinatal service.

Adrian Clarke, Interim Director of Commissioning for Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Vulnerable Groups, said: “Seren Lodge demonstrates the positive impact of collaborative commissioning. Our focus at NWJCC is on improving the experience for Welsh patients by working with partners to deliver high quality services. By collaborating with partners across England and Wales, we’ve enhanced the experience for mothers in North Wales, reducing the stress of long journeys at a vulnerable time and delivering a service that reflects their needs, including bilingual support. This is about improving outcomes and making a meaningful difference to Welsh families.”

This eight-bed, single-storey unit is the first of its kind across Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales. It will provide compassionate care for women experiencing conditions such as postnatal depression, psychosis, or relapse of an existing mental health condition.

The opening was marked with a special celebration on 18 December, including performances from members of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, who have a longstanding Music and Health partnership with the NHS. In working with Seren Lodge, musicians will focus on creating strong bonds between Mums and babies and use the magic of music to boost mood and self-esteem.

A phased opening will now take place, with beds being released gradually into the new year. This approach ensures the service is introduced safely and effectively, allowing Seren Lodge to begin supporting mothers and families with the highest standards of care.