NHS England says that more money will be spent to ensure every new mum across the country has access to the support they need
Wider-reaching mental healthcare will be available to expectant and new mums within the next year, with more money spent on services in areas of the country where it is needed most.
NHS England says that £23 million will be assigned to help pregnant women and mums the year after their child is born.
It should mean that by April 2019, every new mum in England will be able to receive the care they need.
Shockingly, the BBC reports that much of the country has been underserved in mental healthcare until very recently. Even in 2014, only 3% of England was thought to offer good access to care.
Because of this, £40 million was promised to be spent on medical staff, including nurses and psychologists, in 2014. The money would also be available for other services to help new mums, such as nursery nurses, social workers and occupational therapists.
Mental health problems affect one in five women before or after their baby is born. This can range most frequently from depression and anxiety, to postpartum psychosis in severe cases.
Claire Murdoch, national mental health director for NHS England, says the money is essential to safeguard new mums against mental health problems. ‘It can happen to anyone at any time and it disrupts life not just for mums but the whole family,’ she said.
’We are absolutely committed to driving forward improvements in care and ensuring this important area of mental health continues to get the attention it deserves.’
Join our #HiddenHalf campaign to help new mums suffering from postnatal mental illness get the support they need.
