A new NHS delivery plan promises improved maternal mental health support
Recent research by Healthwatch England found that six-week postnatal checks, which GPs in England are required to offer, are not working for many new mums. These checks are a key way of helping to spot mental health problems being experienced by new parents and provide help.
Today, the Board of NHS England approved a plan to improve the quality and safety of maternity and neonatal services.
The plan includes key steps, such as improving the guidance GPs get to carry out postnatal checks and better access to specialist community perinatal mental health services.
Responding, Louise Ansari, National Director of Healthwatch England said:
“In recent years, we have seen multiple systemic failures in maternity services. And with our research showing that postnatal mental health care is failing many new mothers, it is vital that the NHS maintains focus on improvements in maternity.
"We’re pleased to see that the new maternity delivery plan published today sets out improvements in line with several of our recommendations, including promised additional guidance for GPs on how to carry out six-week postnatal checks and commitments to commission the additional community perinatal mental health services promised in the Long Term Plan. With mental ill health affecting up to a third of new and expectant mums, those checks are key to assessing their wellbeing after the birth.
"It is also promising to see the plan sets out responsibilities for Integrated Care Boards to implement equity and equality action plans for maternity and better monitor maternity care. This will help ensure there’s a consistent approach to offering every mother care of the highest quality.
"There now needs to be continued resource and focus on delivering the commitments in this plan so no one experiences another Shrewsbury tragedy and every new mother and birthing parent receives mental health support at the time they need it most.”
