NHS mental health service supporting women who have suffered the loss of a baby to open in more areas
A maternal mental health service for women who have experienced the loss of a baby launched by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust is to expand.
The Perinatal Trauma and Loss Service began operating in November last year covering the Cambridge and Ely areas as part of an initial pilot.
From Wednesday, 23 April it is to also open to women in the Peterborough, Huntingdon and Fenland areas.
The team offers assessment, psychological treatment and specialist midwifery support to women who are experiencing moderate to severe or complex mental health difficulties following a perinatal loss within the last two years.
The service is open to women who have lost a baby during any stage of pregnancy or within the first year of the baby’s life.
Dr Joanne Peterkin, Consultant Clinical Psychologist with PTLS (pictured, second left with colleagues Dr Jenna Parker, Bex Neil and Sophie Wart), said: “The loss of a baby is a devastating experience for many families. Where this loss goes on to significantly impact on a woman’s mental health, we are here to help. The initial pilot launch has gone very well and we’re delighted to expand our service further to help more women in our area.”
Figures from bereavement charity Sands state that currently in the UK, 13 families a day suffer the heartbreak of losing their baby before, during or shortly after birth. That’s around 4,500 babies a year, while at least 15 per cent of pregnancies end in miscarriage.
Women can access the Perinatal Trauma and Loss Service Support via a referral from their GP or health care professional.
Following an initial assessment, those who are eligible can access a range of specialist psychological therapies including for a range of mental health difficulties, prolonged grief and trauma.
Alongside the clinical psychologists working in the team, there are also specialist midwives who can support women who are having or considering having another baby.
Dr Peterkin added: “We understand how for some women who have lost a baby it will be a really challenging time. But we want them to know they are not alone and if they do feel they need help to ask their GP or health professional for a referral to our service. We are here to support them and help them on the road to recovery.”
For more information visit the Perinatal Trauma and Loss Service page of the CPFT website.
CPFT employs more than 4,700 staff who provide community physical healthcare for older people and those with long-term conditions, mental healthcare for adults and young people, eating disorder services in Norfolk, children’s health services in Peterborough, social care services and learning disability support. The Trust is also renowned for its research work.
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For more information contact: communications@cpft.nhs.uk
