Mental health hubs to help mums

DOZENS of new mental health hubs are being set up to help thousands of new, expectant and bereaved mothers, NHS leaders have announced.

NHS England said that the 26 new hubs being set up across the country will bring together maternity services, reproductive health and psychological therapy under one roof.

By the end of 2021-22 around 6,000 women will receive care and treatment for a wide range of mental health issues from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after giving birth to others with a severe fear of childbirth, it added.

NHS England said that 10 sites will be up and running within months while the rest will open by April next year.

Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s national mental health director, said: “Every woman has a unique experience with pregnancy and motherhood and some will need extra support to cope with mental health issues that can range from anxiety to severe depression so I am delighted that mothers across all areas of the country will be able to access this help if they need it.

“The NHS is here for everyone who needs help and the expansion of specialist care through the rollout of these maternal mental health services will strengthen the services already in place, enabling us to improve the quality of care and outcomes for many women.

“I would encourage any mum who needs this support to come forward safe in the knowledge that her mental health and wellbeing are of paramount importance.”