Andersen Ward

Andersen Ward has temporarily moved from Laureate House in Wythenshawe to Loweswater Ward in Prestwich while repairs are completed at our previous site.

We remain a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) which covers the entire North West. The unit's core purpose is still to provide a consistently high level of quality specialist mental health care to both women who are pregnant and mothers following childbirth.

This relocation is temporary; however if you are admitted, it is likely you’ll stay in Prestwich for the duration of your admission.

Central to the philosophy of the MBU is to promote the mother and baby relationship within a secure and supportive environment while incorporating evidence-based practice drawn from the fields of both perinatal and general mental health knowledge.

The time around childbearing may make some women vulnerable to recurrences of, or new, mental health problems. In cases of depression, puerperal psychosis and other mental disorders, the separation of mother and baby can create a secondary disturbance of bonding.

The unit provides comprehensive advice, medical and psychological assessment, and treatment for women with previous or current mental health problems who have recently given birth, are pregnant, or who wish to become pregnant. It also offers support and supervision which is tailored to the individual’s needs to promote and ensure the infant’s safety.

The unit is run by professionals who have longstanding experience in perinatal psychiatry and work as a cohesive and highly motivated team. The team includes a Consultant Psychiatrist, inpatient Mental Health Nurses, Nursery Nurses, an Occupational Therapist and a Clinical Psychologist; we also have access to Physiotherapists.

Mothers who are admitted to the ward may be experiencing maternal mental health difficulties such as postnatal depression or postpartum psychosis, or an exacerbation of existing mental health difficulties such as schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder.

The involvement of partners, family members, and friends is encouraged, and the unit offers support and education for all who visit.

During our temporary move, we provide facilities for up to six mothers and babies, including:

Single bedrooms with ensuite shower rooms A nursery An open plan dining area and lounge

A fenced garden, patio and outside play area A fully equipped milk kitchen