New screening for depression

Without even a hint of irony new mums are to be offered counselling for post- natal depression… by Skype.

The NHS plan is supposed to help women struggling in the early days of motherhood.

And perhaps some women may benefit from it.

But what most new mums need is a face-to-face chat with a midwife or health visitor and the chance to meet other mothers at drop-in centres and clinics.

All of which have been virtually annihilated by spending cuts.

New mums with post-natal depression often feel isolated, alone and inadequate.

What they need is a real person not a computer screen.