We care for women with a range of moderate to severe common mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and severe mental health disorders such as bi-polar, psychosis and schizophrenia.
The team also supports women discharged from the inpatient Mother & Baby Unit, Beadnell at St.George’s Hospital, Morpeth, Northumberland.
The service offers care and treatment including:
- Pre-conceptual counselling available from Perinatal medical staff for women who have a diagnosis of severe mental illness to plan for any potential pregnancies.
- Specialist care and care planning for women with an increased risk of developing a puerperal psychosis following birth including those with a previous history of puerperal psychosis or psychotic disorders or a diagnosis of Bipolar I, Schizoaffective and Schizophrenia.
- Integrating mental health support into Obstetric clinics.
- Assessment, diagnosis and intervention of a range of mental health difficulties.
- Training, consultation, support and advice to front line staff working with perinatal period.
- The Team works together with the linked Specialised In-patient Mother and Baby Unit (Beadnell Ward) to provide alternatives to admission and treatment and support in the community for women following discharge from an inpatient stay.
- Promotion of early mother-child relationship and attachment whilst the mother’s mental health is recovering.
- Safeguarding children and adults through daily contact with families, supporting early help plans.
How to get referred
Via Midwife, Obstetrician, Health Visitor, Specialist Mental Health Service and GP referral