Mums could help shape mental health services in Dorset
A survey asks new mums their experience of maternal wellbeing support.
People in Dorset who have used maternal mental health services over the last two years are being invited to give feedback on their experiences.
View seeking is starting on Monday 24 May 2021 and will be open for six weeks until 4 July 2021.
The survey is open to anyone over the age of 16 who has used local services along with staff and carers. Responses will help influence how services are developed in the future.
Local Dorset GP Richa Singh said:
‘We know that one in five women will experience a mental health problem during their pregnancy and in the first year after birth. We also know from experience that these services play a role in ensuring mental health is integrated into overall healthcare at the earliest stage of life.
‘I’d like to urge anyone who has used these services, support or resources in the last two years to tell us about their experiences. Support for people might range from a visit to a GP, health visitor or midwife, to mental health services and online support. We want to hear what is working and what we can do better.’
Rebecca Savage, a Consultant Midwife Trainee at University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust encourages people to complete the survey:
‘Pregnancy and motherhood is a time of great change, for some women this can be accompanied by mental health issues including birth trauma, fear of birth or sadly loss. Maternal Mental health services are crucial to mothers, their newborns and families. We would like people who have used services to have the chance to improve how they work in the future.’
‘We would like to hear from fathers and partners of women who have used these services to tell us their experiences too.’
To take part, the survey can be found on the maternitymattersdorset.nhs.uk/wellbeing website.
You can also request paper, audio or easy read copies of the survey, or further information by emailing communications@dorsetccg.nhs.uk or calling 01202 541588.