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Perinatal Mental Health Team

Mental wellbeing around the time of having a baby

Who are we?

We are an NHS service that specialises in the assessment, diagnosis and short-term treatment of women affected by a moderate to severe mental health illness in the preconception, antenatal and postnatal period.

We are a county-wide team that works with women of all ages, across a range of mental health problems, such as; 

  • bipolar disorder
  • schizophrenia
  • significant anxiety
  • puerperal or postpartum psychosis
  • significant depression
  • complex PTSD (in partnership with other agencies where there is risk)

The service is for pregnant women with a pre-existing mental illness or those at risk, and women who encounter problems for the first time during or after pregnancy. 

We work closely with midwifery services and health visitors.  We focus on the baby's needs as an integral part of our approach and are able to offer specialist attachment-based interventions for mental illness which may be impacting on their relationship with their baby. 

What we offer:

  • preconceptual advice, pregnancy and birth planning for women who have had a previous mental illness
  • advice or a professional consultation that may lead to further assessment and treatment options
  • development of a care plan that meets your personal needs 
  • planning for the postnatal period to promote wellness and prevent relapse
  • medication advice during pregnancy and breastfeeding e.g. anti-depressants
  • support during pregnancy and up until baby's first birthday
  • Peer Support
  • Partner Peer Support
  • specific and specialist psychotherapeutic interventions relevant to the perinatal period

Appointments

We work according to a stepped care pathway as recommended by NICE and this may involve signposting to other appropriate agencies or self-help.  Women may, therefore, be offered a psychotherapeutic approach initially with other services.

We aim to contact everyone within 4 weeks of referral, unless urgent. We will try to offer you an appointment close to where you live.

Who to contact

Contact name
Ruth Marsden
Contact position
Specialist Perinatal Service Lead
Telephone
01872 246820
E-mail
cpn-tr.Perinatal@nhs.net
Website
https://www.cornwallft.nhs.uk/.../perinatal-mental-health-team
Facebook
Perinatal Mental Health Team's facebook page
Twitter
Perinatal Mental Health Team's twitter page

Where to go

Name
Perinatal Mental Health Team
Address
Truro Health Park (Room F028)
Infirmary Hill
Truro
Postcode
TR1 2JA
Notes

This service is aimed at women from all over Cornwall and all efforts made to arrange consultations and meetings near to wherever is convenient for each individual.

Time / date details

When is it on?
Open Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00

Other details

Costs

Details
NHS Service

Availability

Age ranges
From 0 years 0 months to 2 years 0 months
Referral required
Yes
Referral details

Women can self-refer or be referred by their GP, midwife, health visitor or another healthcare professional antenatally or postnatally up until a baby is 18 months of age. We offer consultation for 18 to 24 months postnatally. In addition we also offer pre-conceptual advice.

 

Last updated: 02/10/2023

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