Women and Newborn Health Service
Services A - Z
King Edward Memorial Hospital
Mother Baby Unit
The Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) functions as a state-wide inpatient treatment centre for acute perinatal psychiatric conditions.
A part of the Women and Newborn Health Service, the Mother Baby Unit is located adjacent to King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women (KEMH).
Contact Information
| Phone | (08) 9340 1799 Freecall - 1800 422 588 |
| Fax | (08) 9340 1790 |
| Location | The Mother and Baby Unit |
| Map | Please see our map of KEMH |
What We Offer
Women and their babies 0-12 months may be admitted to the inpatient program if they have significant mental health problems following the birth of a baby such as severe depression, anxiety or a psychotic illness such as a bipolar mood disorder or schizophrenia.
The Unit
The eight bed, free-standing unit is situated in Subiaco within the campus of the Women and Newborn Health Service. It includes:
- Eight single rooms with ensuite
- Facilities for partners to stay when appropriate
- A nursery and sleep rooms for babies when they are not rooming-in
- A laundry
- A kitchen and milk preparation kitchen
- Several living rooms
Referral Process
Referrals are accepted from any health professional. Those from the community that have not yet been assessed by a mental health professional or GP may be redirected in the first instance.
If inpatient care is not deemed necessary, then a treatment plan will be suggested for care in the community.
Assessments are carried out at the time of admission and treatment programs are tailored according to need. Most patients will require medication or other medical treatments for their illness.
Patients are expected to take part in the recommended daytime programs whilst inpatients.
Visits and overnight stays at home or with family are scheduled as part of discharge planning to ensure a smooth transition home after discharge.
Admission Criteria
- Mothers must have a psychiatric diagnosis
- Mothers must be able to be cared for in an open environment (a small locked area is available if circumstances change but if this is required for more than 48 hours then the patient may be transferred to a mental health facility within their residential catchment area)
- Mothers must be able to provide some care to their infant
- Infant is to be under 12 months of age, ambulatory status may exclude admission
- Women must have a home address
- Women with substance abuse issues must be in a stable long term program.
Exclusion Criteria
- Mothers with solely substance use issues
- Those requiring respite care
- Mothers who need high risk management care under the Mental Health Act.
The Multi-Disciplinary Team
The multi-disciplinary team (MDT) is involved in all aspects of the patient's assessment and treatment meeting daily to discuss treatment direction and progress.
The MDT consists of the following members:
- Clinical Director - Consultant Psychiatrist
- Clinical Nurse Manager
- Specialist Clinical Psychologist
- Senior Registered Nurse - Community
- Mental Health Nurses
- General Nurses
- Social Worker
- Mothercraft Nurses
Inpatient Program
At the initial assessment, management options will be discussed. This may include:
- Medication
- Individual therapy
- Couple or family therapy
- Fathers group
All patients are expected to take part in the day program which includes:
- Group therapy covering issues such as anxiety and depression management
- CBT techniques
- Meditation and relaxation
- Exercise such as walking and yoga
- Parenting skills
- Mother and baby music
- Art and crafts.
Further Information
If you wish to ask for more information about the unit please call (08) 9340 1799.
