Maternal mental health blueprint

The Scottish Liberal Democrats have published a “radical” plan for maternal mental health after it emerged half of health boards have no specialist services for pregnant women and new mothers.

The party has launched a petition calling on the Scottish Government to support the introduction of a new fivepoint plan.

The Lib Dems’ proposals include six-week post- natal checks to include support from a GP and health visitor with specific training on maternal mental health, referrals to suitable community support networks, and inpatient care to allow mothers to continue caring for their babies and be close to home.

The party has also called for a campaign to remove the stigma of mental ill health for new mothers, and a strategy to increase training for GPS and health visitors to identify and treat maternal mental health.

Data from 2017 analysed by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance (MMHA) shows in seven out of 14 health board areas, women had no access to specialist perinatal mental health services.

Only NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde had services that met national guidelines drawn up by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Lib Dem health spokesperson Alex Cole-hamilton said: “Protecting mothers and giving new born babies the best possible start in life has to be made more of a priority.”