A new specialist Mother and Baby mental health hospital has opened just in time for Christmas, offering vital support to pregnant and postnatal women experiencing severe mental ill-health.
The £7.5 million, single-storey facility, named Seren Lodge, is the first of its kind in North Wales, Cheshire, and Merseyside. It features eight beds and is designed to provide compassionate, expert care for women facing conditions such as postnatal depression, psychosis, or a relapse of an existing mental health issue.
The name Seren Lodge—chosen by mothers with lived experience of maternal mental ill-health—means “star” in Welsh, symbolizing hope and positivity, while also reflecting the cross-border partnership with Wales.
Specialist Care Close to Home
Professor Bev Sapre, Clinical Director for Perinatal Services at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Seren Lodge, located in the heart of Chester, will support new and expectant mothers in a therapeutic environment designed specifically for maternal mental health challenges. One in four women experience mental health problems during pregnancy or within 24 months of giving birth. This is a vulnerable time, and timely, specialist support can make all the difference.”
Although only a small number of women will need admission, the unit ensures care is available closer to home, complementing community-based support provided to thousands of families each year.
Design Focused on Comfort and Wellbeing
Women with lived experience of maternal mental ill-health have helped shape Seren Lodge, influencing everything from building design to small practical details. Features like cushioned headboards for night feeds and dimmable lighting create a calm and reassuring space for recovery.
Nia, an Expert by Experience, shared: “Six years ago, after my son was born and admitted to special care, I became very unwell and required admission to a Mother and Baby Unit in Manchester. Since 2021, I’ve campaigned for a specialist unit in North Wales and have been involved in Seren Lodge from the design stage to opening. This means mothers in North Wales, Cheshire, and Merseyside can now access care closer to home.”
Community and Music at the Heart of Recovery
The opening was celebrated with performances by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, part of their Music and Health partnership with the NHS. Music activities at Seren Lodge aim to strengthen mother-baby bonds while boosting mood and self-esteem.
Singing Mamas, a local community group focused on postnatal wellbeing through singing, also took part in the celebration alongside the Lord Mayor of Chester, Cllr Sherin Akhtar.
A Unique Cross-Border Partnership
Seren Lodge is the result of collaboration between Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, NHS England, and NHS Wales. By bringing specialist care closer to home, mothers can focus on recovery while staying connected to their families, even during the festive season.
Teresa Owen, Executive Director of Allied Health Professionals and Health Science at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “Until now, women needing a Mother and Baby Unit often had to travel long distances to England, including Manchester and Birmingham. For families in north-west Wales, this was a considerable challenge during an already vulnerable period. Seren Lodge marks a significant step forward in local perinatal mental health support.”
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