On Air Now Non Stop Music Midnight - 6:00am Tlc - No Scrubs Schedule

More Mental Health Support For New, Expectant And Bereaved Mothers On Isle Of Wight

The Isle of Wight will be one of the first places in the country to roll-out a new maternity mental health service.

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust is working alongside the Island's current maternity unit to 'embed' the new service.

It is hoped a dedicated psychologist will provide specialist mental health support to new, expectant and bereaved mums.

The Island's service already offers support to women experiencing anxiety and birth trauma support, but this will now be expanded to help mothers cope with loss.

Patients will be seen by a psychologist online via a video call or in person at the maternity unit at St Mary's Hospital.

Southern Health is one of 26 Trusts to have been chosen as a ‘National Early Implementer Site'.

It means the Island is one of the first places in the country to have this service.

Dr Hannah Wilson, Perinatal Lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust said:

“At Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust we are delighted to deliver the Maternity Mental Health Services to new mums across Hampshire and IOW. We know historically, and nationwide, there has been a gap in pregnant women and new mums receiving the much needed specialist psychological support they need.

"We know the difference this is making to new mums and their families to be able to improve their lives for the better.”

When referred to the Maternity Mental Health Service, mothers will be offered a range of psychological support including a tailored care plan that may include one to one support and/or group therapy sessions.

The service is expected to be rolled out in the 'near future', with it completely up and running by 2023/24.

More from Isle of Wight News