The Royal College of Psychiatrists Northern
Ireland Division has welcomed Health Minister Michael McGimpsey’s
commitment to improve antenatal and perinatal mental health
services, and said psychiatrists are committed to working with
other health professionals to deliver these services.
The Health Minister today (8 October 2008)
announced he has asked Health and Social Services Boards to bring
forward an action plan for implementation of the guidance,
including the provision of specialist inpatient services.
“We are very pleased to see the Health
Minister is giving the same concern to new mothers mental health
during and after pregnancy as to their physical health,” said Dr
Philip McGarry, Policy and Public Affairs Officer for the Royal
College of Psychiatrists Northern Ireland Division.
“This shows that Mr McGimpsey has been
listening to ourselves, midwives and mothers who have highlighted
the need for specialist mental health antenatal and perinatal
services."
Dr McGarry continued: “Pregnancy and the
months after childbirth can be very difficult times for women with
mental health problems, and are a time when women may develop
mental health problems, so we are very pleased that the Minister
intends to strengthen the integrated approach to health and social
care services."
For further information, please contact Liz Fox or Deborah
Hart in the Communications Department.
Telephone: 020 7235 2351 Extensions. 6298 or 6127
References:
For more information please contact Liz Main. Tel: 07711 558 296. E-mail: l lmain@nirelanddiv.rcpsych.ac.uk