mental health

Bringing together physical and mental health
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from connected teams such as psychological therapy, IAPT and the Parent-Infant
Psychotherapy team, with whom the Perinatal Health Team work closely.
The first tier of support, offered to all women in touch with the service, includes
evidence-based advice, reassurance, information, and signposting to sources
of support in the local area. People with higher levels of need are offered a full
assessment and a range of psychological and drug treatments as appropriate. The
most serious cases are held within specialist care. Over three years, a quarter of all
the women who gave birth in the area were identified as having a mental health
concern or history and received information, assessment and/or support from
the team.
Women can see the team in their normal antenatal clinic or at home, avoiding
the need to visit a mental health unit. This makes the service more accessible and
reduces stigma.
Outcomes
Local commissioners report that the service has helped to reduce costs, and has led
to better outcomes for women and their families. Fewer women have escalated to
more expensive forms of care such as admission to mental health inpatient facilities.
Key enablers
••
The team has built strong relationships with colleagues from primary care,
health visiting, children’s centres, midwifery, paediatrics and obstetrics, and
has delivered training to clinicians from all of these disciplines. Interest and
awareness of maternal mental health has improved and women report receiving
greater support and advice as a result.
••
Commissioners at South Devon and Torbay CCG and Northern, Eastern and
Western Devon CCG are highly engaged with the service, and it is supported
by key clinical leaders in local provider organisations.
• • Women and families who have used the service work closely with the team to
provide training, and can become involved in the service in numerous ways:
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