What does the Perinatal Mental Health Service do?
The Perinatal Mental Health Service is a specialist community service for women who require specialist mental health assessment and treatment in pregnancy and up to a year after the baby’s birth. We care for women with moderate to severe mental health conditions and those who are at risk of developing one in the perinatal period. We work with women from 12 weeks gestation up until baby is 1 year old.
The aim of the team is to improve the health and wellbeing of the women, their babies and their families through prevention, detection and management of mental health problems during the perinatal period. We offer a comprehensive mental health assessment to identify your needs and strengths, and we will work together with you to develop a plan during pregnancy and or the postnatal period. The Perinatal team will support and monitor your mental health to reduce the risk of developing a mental health condition or experience a relapse of a pre-existing condition.
We also provide:
- A range of evidence based interventions tailored to your specific needs.
- Advice and information to partners and family members to help them understand your risk of becoming unwell and how best to support you.
- We will also offer carers assessments and provide support as necessary.
- We provide advice on prescribing medication during pregnancy and in the post-natal period.
- We support and advise to help build and enhance relationship between mum and baby and to build self-confidence.
- We will also work closely with others involved in your care.
- We provide preconceptual counselling for those women planning a pregnancy and are known to have a moderate to severe mental illness.
- We may also suggest other services that offer practical help and support for you or your family. This could be a local voluntary group or charity.’
- Click here for Public Health Agency information about Perinatal Mental Health Services
What staff work in the Perinatal Mental Health Service?
Our team serves the Western Health and Social Care and consists of a comprehensive Multidisciplinary Team, including a Consultant Psychiatrist, Lead Nurse, Parent Infant Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Community Psychiatric Nurses, Social Worker, a Midwife, a Health Visitor, an Occupational Therapist, and administration staff.
Where is the Perinatal Mental Health Service located?
The Perinatal Mental Health Service is Trust-Wide and has two bases:
Old Bridge House: Glendermott Road, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6AU.
Phone 028 7161 0784 – Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
Lisnamallard: 5 Woodside Avenue, Omagh, Co Tyrone, BT79 7BP.
Phone 028 8283 3153 – Monday – Friday 9am-5pm
How do patients access the Perinatal Mental Health Service?
A referral must be made into the Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Team by your GP, Midwifery, Health Visiting and Trust Mental Health teams. Self-referrals are not accepted.
When is the Perinatal Mental Health Service available?
In Derry/ Londonderry, the Perinatal Mental Health Service operates from Monday to Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM.
In Omagh, the Perinatal Mental Health Service is open Monday – Friday, 9am -5pm
What to Expect at Your First Perinatal Mental Health Assessment
We understand that coming to your first appointment can feel daunting. Our aim is to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive space where you can talk about how you have been feeling.
Your first appointment will usually be with two members of the Perinatal Mental Health Team and will last approximately 90–120 minutes. This allows us enough time to get to know you, understand your experiences and discuss how we may be able to support you. The assessment will always be carried out at your pace, and you can take breaks if you need to.
During the appointment we will:
- Explain who we are and how the Perinatal Mental Health Team works.
- Explain confidentiality, including the circumstances where we may need to share information to keep you or someone else safe.
- Ask for your consent to contact your next of kin or another person who is important to you, if appropriate. We will explain how involving someone you trust can help support your care.
- Talk about the reasons you were referred to our service, explore what you would like help with and carry out a mental health assessment to understand how you are feeling emotionally, psychologically and mentally.
- Ask about your pregnancy, birth experience (if your baby has already been born), and any previous pregnancies where relevant.
- Get to know you, your baby and your family, and learn about the people who are important in your life.
- Talk sensitively about your safety and wellbeing, including any worries about keeping yourself or your baby safe. Together, we will develop a safety plan if this would be helpful.
After Your Assessment
Following your appointment, we will discuss your assessment within our specialist multidisciplinary Perinatal Mental Health Team. This helps us ensure you receive the most appropriate recommendations and support based on your individual needs.
We will then contact you to discuss our recommendations with you and agree a care plan together. Any decisions about your care will be made in partnership with you, taking into account your preferences, strengths and goals.
Bringing Someone With You
You are very welcome to bring:
- Your baby.
- A partner, family member, friend or carer for support if you would find this helpful.
Our Commitment to You
We are committed to providing compassionate, respectful and person-centred care. We recognise that everyone’s experience is different, and we will listen without judgement. Our priority is to work alongside you to support your mental health, wellbeing and your relationship with your baby and family.
Useful Numbers
Out of Hours GP 028 7186 5196
Lifeline 0808 8088000 (24hr support if you are in distress or despair)
Samaritans 116123