Improving The Quality Of Perinatal Mental Health Services 2015

A recent report published by the Centre for Mental Health in October 2014 found that perinatal mental illness costs the NHS around £8.1 billion per year. The report stated that “We hope that this shocking statistic will motivate policy makers, commissioners and providers to act urgently. It is in their power to do something about this issue: if perinatal mental health problems were identified and treated quickly and effectively, many of these serious and long term human and economic costs could be avoided” The Centre for Mental Health October 2014.

This conference focuses on the important issue of improving perinatal mental health services. Extended sessions will focus on Learning from a personal journey through postnatal mental distress, Identifying women who are experiencing distress: what works? Improving the quality of mental healthcare for new mothers, what does excellence in perinatal mental health look like? supporting men whose wives or partners are experiencing PND, learning from the Royal College of Psychiatrists Quality Network for Perinatal Mental Health and delivering a recovery and family focused post natal depression service.

Perinatal mental illnesses are a major public health issue that must be taken seriously. If untreated, these illnesses can have a devastating impact on women and their families. They are one of the leading causes of death for mothers during pregnancy and the year after birth… The good news is that, with the right help, women can recover from these illnesses.” The Centre for Mental Health October 2014

It is vital that during pregnancy and following childbirth, women at risk of developing conditions ranging from mild anxiety to severe depression and psychosis are identified early so they get the tailored care they need. While more needs to be done, significant progress has already been made, in particular through the health visiting programme, which is working to increase the number of health visitors and transform services to improve support in areas such as perinatal mental health.” NHS England, October 2014

“Too many new and expectant mums are being badly let down. The government has a duty to reduce these avoidable costs. They must do more to ensure that perinatal mental illness is identified as early as possible and that all women have access to the help and support they need.” Luciana Berger, shadow minister for public health, October 2014