SDLP Health Spokesperson Mark H Durkan has called for the development of a Regional Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Board to oversee improved support services for new parents and their families.
His call follows an investment of £50 million in perinatal mental health from the Scottish Government announced earlier this month. Mr Durkan deemed Northern Ireland’s current provisions as ‘appalling.’
The Foyle MLA said: “Since I launched the NSPCC report on perinatal mental health at the end of last year, political stagnation means there has been a failure to implement recommendations or progress this vital issue.
“We must commit to delivering new models of care for perinatal mental health- where issues are identified as early as possible and where treatment is provided promptly.
“The establishment a targeted forum such as a Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Board of specialist clinicians, is crucial if we are to tackle this problem head on.
“Considering 20% of women and between 5-10% of men will suffer from perinatal mental health at any given time, it is unforgivable that support services here continue to lag far behind our counterparts elsewhere in the UK.
“No parent should suffer in silence during what can prove a socially isolating time for many- a baby’s good health relies on the good health of their mother and by extension their father, which is why the issue of perinatal mental health is so vital.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “The prevalence of talk surrounding mental health is encouraging; slowly but surely we are breaking down barriers and the issue of perinatal mental health is seemingly the last taboo.
“We must demand parity of esteem during and after pregnancy.
“By pledging increased investment and an effective support network to address a myriad of issues from perinatal depression to postpartum psychosis, we can provide new mothers and their families with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Tags: