“I would recommend this service 1000%” – mental health service for mums shines in survey

In a recent survey, 98% of new mums said they would recommend the Trust’s perinatal mental health service.

The perinatal mental health service provides specialist care for pregnant women and new mothers, and improves access for women to support from specially trained staff.

The survey, completed by 336 respondents, also revealed that 98% of people thought staff listened and understood their problems; 96% of people thought staff gave them more confidence in caring for their baby; and 96% of people thought staff were sensitive to the needs of them and their baby.

One mum commented “The perinatal team have given me the confidence to be the best mum I can be”, while another stated “It’s a really valuable service and I don’t know what I would have done without it.”

The feedback came from patient outcome and evaluation measures that peer support workers collect from clients when they leave the service after a significant episode of care.

Dr Graham Hill, consultant perinatal psychiatrist, said: “Pregnancy and childbirth is a uniquely vulnerable time for women where there is a substantially increased risk of developing an episode of mental illness – the most likely time in a woman’s life. The comments in our survey demonstrate the remarkable kindness and compassionate care my wonderful colleagues have provided. This is an excellent example of how a little kindness can go such a long way.”