RCM welcomes government investment in perinatal mental health support for women
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has welcomed the news that the new NHS GP contract will include additional funding for perinatal mental health checks at six to eight weeks.
RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton, says: "We are delighted that the Department of Health and Social Care has listened to the calls from the RCM for improved investment in maternal mental health care.
"This additional funding for the six-week postnatal check will enable GPs to ensure that the mother receives a proper maternal check as well as the baby, which is so crucial. We know that, if identified by a GP, some women with pregnancy related mental illness can be treated close to their home and avoid any condition escalating."