Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithi Flynn has said an Executive must be restored to deliver the first mother and baby unit on this island.

Speaking as it was announced that Belfast City Hospital is the proposed location of this new unit, the party’s mental health spokesperson said:

“Lack of resources in maternity and mental health services have led to some heartbreaking incidents involving mothers and their children.

“I welcome the Department of Health’s announcement that Belfast City Hospital has been identified as the site for a new mother and baby unit.

“We must have a specialist perinatal mental health service that is fit for purpose, free to act in the best interests of women’s health and available to all women on our island.

“Despite this, one party’s boycott of the Executive means that we do not currently have the power to secure funding for the building of this specialised and much-needed unit. This would go a long way in helping women who are struggling with their mental health post-pregnancy.

“Mothers cannot wait. Families cannot wait. We need an end to one party’s boycott of the political institutions and all parties working together to prioritise women’s health and deliver the island’s first mother and baby unit.”