Perinatal Service is Highly Commended

A specialist mental health service for pregnant women and new mums which is provided by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) has been “Highly Commended’’ at the National Positive Practice in Mental Health Awards 2018.

The award was presented to EPUT’s Perinatal Team at a ceremony in Liverpool last week.

Perinatal Mental Health Services are provided in the community so that pregnant women and new mums can be treated for their mental ill health as early as possible and closer to home. This service helps mums and their families to have safe, healthy pregnancies, and promotes well-being and on-going support to prevent relapse.

The service is available to women during the perinatal period (during pregnancy and up to baby’s first birthday) who are experiencing, or are likely to experience serious or complex mental health difficulties.

Early intervention and treatment for women at a risk of serious mental health problems can lead to early recovery and better outcomes for the mum, baby and family. Specialist perinatal mental health care also reduces the risks of a negative impact on future generations within these families.

Caroline Bogle, Essex Perinatal Mental Health Service Manager and Dr Rina Gupta, Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist said: “This commendation is such a wonderful recognition of all the hard work and commitment of our dedicated staff. It is a fantastic privilege to be able to deliver this much needed care and support to women and their families across Essex.”

Sally Morris, Chief Executive of EPUT said: “Congratulations to the Perinatal team for being highly commended. The team provides vital services in the community for new mums and pregnant women.”