More mothers will receive life-changing mental health treatment and care at Mater’s Catherine’s House thanks to extra funding announced by the Queensland Government.
Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the number of publicly funded beds at Catherine’s House for Mothers, Babies and Families would increase from eight to 10 during a visit to the South Brisbane facility today.
Catherine’s House opened in 2023 to provide specialist care to Queensland mothers diagnosed with mental health conditions around the time of the arrival of their new baby.
“These extra mother-baby beds will allow new mums to access specialist mental healthcare while staying close to their little ones, ensuring both receive the support and connection they need during this critical time,” Minister Nicholls said.
Welcoming the Minister’s announcement, Mater Group Chief Executive Julia Strickland-Bellamy said that one in five mothers experience perinatal mental health challenges in the first year after their baby’s birth.
“I thank the Minister for the Queensland Government’s generous support of Catherine’s House,” Ms Strickland-Bellamy said.
“Since Catherine’s House opened almost 350 women have received specialist care and support as inpatients.
“Catherine’s House has not only changed lives – it has saved lives too.
“The funding announced today means that even more women in desperate need of help will get the care and support they need here at Mater.”
Mum-of-two Dashelle Bailey was admitted to Catherine’s House for six weeks last year after she experienced severe post-partum depression following the birth of her son, Jossion.
She returned to Catherine’s House today to thank its staff and to welcome the Queensland Government’s increased support for the facility.
“At the end of six weeks in Catherine’s House I went home almost back to normal, although there was still a road to full recovery,” Ms Bailey said.
“The support and care I received made such a massive difference to me and to my children.
“It meant I was able to recover and be the mother for my children that I want to be.”
