Maternal Mental Health Alliance: Women in England are suffering due to patchy Maternal Mental Health Service provision (2 October 2024)

Summary

The Maternal Mental Health Alliance has released new research into the current landscape of Maternal Mental Health Services (MMHS) in England.

Based on survey responses from 41/46 MMHS, for the first time, this report offers a detailed look at how MMHS are being delivered at the local level. The report finds that there has been welcome progress with the establishment of these services in most areas of England, however it also highlights that many of these small services are struggling to cope with levels of demand.

The data shows wide variation between what care is provided for women, birthing people and their families, the criteria to access this care, and waiting times for assessment and treatment in different parts of the country. The inconsistencies uncovered suggest there are currently not enough resources to meet the need.

Content

• New data shows only 11/41 Maternal Mental Health Services support women who have had their babies removed through care proceedings, a group at particularly high risk of developing perinatal mental health issues and dying by suicide.
• One Maternal Mental Health Service has already closed due to funding issues.
• Waiting times for assessment ranged from 0–26 weeks.
• For those who met the criteria for treatment, waiting times ranged from 0–52 weeks.