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Mental health of new mothers also needs investment says RCM on Gov mental health announcement

on 29 September 2019 Maternal Mental health Specialist Midwives Mother and Baby Separation NHS Funding

Today reports say the Government has announced a new approach to NHS mental health treatment to be trialled in 12 areas of England. Reports also the Government promises around 1000 extra specialist staff with expertise in a range of mental health issues.

Commenting, Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), said: "This is welcome news and we need to see if any of the new investment in mental health goes towards perinatal mental health services. We need to see significantly more money targeted at this area going towards having more specialist perinatal mental health midwives and services.

"Large parts of the country fall short of nationally agreed standards for these services. This is not just about enhancing maternity care it is about saving lives. Mental illness is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the UK. 

"Maternal mental health is the focus of a RCM fringe event* at the Conservative Party Conference tomorrow. I hope members of the Government will come along to this to hear why investment in maternal mental health is so important."

For more information on the current state of perinatal mental health services, see https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/UK-Specialist-Community-Perinatal-Mental-Health-Teams-2017.pdf . 

*The RCM fringe event ' Keeping Her in Mind: How can we ensure that new mothers get the best mental healthcare and support?' takes place on Monday, 30th September, 09:00-10:15 at Central 7, Manchester Central at the Conservative Party Conference.

Notes to Editors

For more information on the current state of perinatal mental health services, see https://maternalmentalhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/UK-Specialist-Community-Perinatal-Mental-Health-Teams-2017.pdf .  See also https://www.npeu.ox.ac.uk/mbrrace-uk/reports. 

The RCM is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences and online resources. For more information visit the RCM website at https://www.rcm.org.uk/.

ENDS


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