Maternity services must prioritise mental health, says Mental Health Foundation

News Release: 24 January 2008

In response to the Healthcare Commission’s 2007 Maternity Service Review, Dr Andrew McCulloch, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said:

 
“Mental distress during and after pregnancy is common, and so women should rightly expect to be supported properly if they experience problems. The fact that nearly half of health trusts do not even have access to a specialist mental health service is bad news for mothers.

Any programme of investment or reform of maternity services needs to include mental health as an urgent priority.  This is an area where mental health cannot continue to be brushed under the carpet, the consequences are too serious.”

An untreated mental health problem not only adds to the already considerable stresses of motherhood, but can also have a long term negative impact on the physical and mental well-being of the child and place the wider family under strain.”

To view the maternity service review from the Health Care Commission, visit: http://2007ratings.healthcarecommission.org.uk

Notes to editors

• The Healthcare Commission found that only 55% of trusts conduct all the mental health checks identified in NICE guidance for ante-natal and post-natal mental health.

• 42% of trusts said that they did not have access to a specialist mental health service.

• Postnatal depression is believed to affect between 8% and 15% of women.  Post-natal depression is not the same as the ‘the baby blues’ which are very common, but only last a few days.

For more information please contact Simon Loveland on 020 7803 1130 or email sloveland@mhf.org.uk
 
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness.  We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.