The next ‘disgrace’

Nicola Sturgeon has admitted the drug death problem in Scotland is a “national disgrace” and has committed £250m over five years to fix the situation as a priority – not before time (Scotsman, 21 January).

Perhaps she would like to turn her attention to another “national disgrace” and find some money for support to mums who suffer postpartum mental health problems. The lack of dedicated, professional support for mothers is appalling and needs urgent attention.

There are two excellent Mother and Baby Units, one at St John’s Hospital, Livingston and one at Leverndale Hospital, Glasgow – a total of 12 beds for the whole of Scotland. They provide care for women with severe mental ill-health, importantly along with their infants, but only if the baby is under 12 months old.

There should be dedicated units in every major town in Scotland with trained staff devoted to the wellbeing of mums and their babies for as long as required but it would appear this is not on the list of priorities for this government. The drug deaths situation has become a priority only after the disgrace of numbers. What will it take for mothers with mental health issues to be supported?

DOUGLAS COWE Alexander Avenue, Kingseat, Newmachar, Aberdeenshire