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New and expectant mothers to access high-quality perinatal mental healthcare closer to home

NHS England announces roll-out of specialist perinatal community services across the country
Perinatal health

NHS England announces roll-out of specialist perinatal community services across the country


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New and expectant mothers can now access specialist mental healthcare where they live, NHS England has announced.

A roll-out of specialist perinatal community services across England means that women who experience anxiety, depression or other forms of mental ill health should be able to access high-quality care closer to home.

Five years ago, two out of five parts of the country had no access to specialist community perinatal mental health treatment, according to NHS England, but now there is full geographical coverage for the first time.

NHS national mental health director Claire Murdoch said: ‘Mental ill health during pregnancy or that affects bonding with a new baby can be devastating, which is why the NHS has invested in better care for expectant and new mums.’

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