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Community Perinatal Mental Health Team - Suffolk

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The Suffolk Perinatal Service is run by a consultant psychiatrist, two senior nurses and an administrator, who provide a range of support and interventions to women with moderate to severe mental illness who are planning to become pregnant or who are pregnant.

"One in five mothers suffer from depression, anxiety or in some cases psychosis during pregnancy or in the first year after childbirth" - according to 'NHS Five Year Forward View for Mental Health' report, February 2016.

Our specialist service offers targeted help to new mums in East and West Suffolk with these complex mental health issues.

Age of service:  Young mums and women of all child-bearing ages.

The conditions we treat: 

The Community Perinatal Service in Suffolk cares for women with a history of severe or moderate mental health illness such as:  

  • Anxiety

  • Bipolar affective disorder

  • Depression

  • Post-natal depression

  • Post-partum psychosis

  • Psychotic illness

  • Schizophrenia.

Or where there is a high risk of the woman becoming unwell during the perinatal period. 

What to expect from us: An assessment is made to identify how we can support you and determine what treatment is needed based on the severity of your condition. A perinatal or post-natal care plan is then put into place to work with you to support your needs. You will be seen by our Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialists and an obstetrician, and part of your care may include support from a health visitor, children's centre, midwife, social worker, and non statoratury agencies, so that we can work together to provide joined-up care to support you and your family throughout your treatment, and can go on to enjoy a healthy happy life with your new baby. 

How we support carers, including friends and family: As mentioned, as part of your care plan we identify support networks through people who are involved with you and your family.

Our team also work closely with colleagues within the community who provide perinatal care, providing training to help them to identify and support mothers who may be at risk of presenting with mental health difficulties. 

As well as caring for people with conditions such as post-natal depression, we also offer pre-conception counselling to women who already have a mental health condition.

How do I access this service: To access our service you must see your GP or a health professional who can refer you to the NSFT Access and Assessment Team - see referral section below for more details.

Who to contact

Name
Wedgewood House
Telephone
01284 719700 (For reception) or 01284 719704
Email
suffolkcommunityperinatalservice@nsft.nhs.uk
Website
WEBSITE LINK

Where to go

Name
Wedgewood House
Address
West Suffolk Hospital
Hardwick Lane
Bury St. Edmunds
Suffolk
Postcode
IP33 2QZ
View IP33 2QZ on a map
Area served
Haverhill, Ipswich, Hadleigh, Halesworth, Kessingland, Lakenheath, Ixworth, Kesgrave, Mid Suffolk, Lavenham, East Suffolk, Leiston, Newmarket, Mildenhall, Needham Market, Saxmundham, Brandon, Aldeburgh, Babergh, Capel St Mary, Stowmarket, Stradbroke, Clare, Southwold, Bury St Edmunds, Elmswell, Eye, Thurston, Debenham, Sudbury, Framlingham, Wickham Market, Woodbridge, Glemsford, Felixstowe, West Suffolk
Parking available
Yes
Parking details
Yes, at Wedgewood House parking available at the hospital.
Notes

Where is the service located and what area’s does it cover?

Our service covers families from all areas of Suffolk. The venue where you recieve treatment and are seen  may vary depending on where you are located and whether you are based in East or West Suffolk.

Days & Times

Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm
Time of day
Morning
Afternoon

Other details

Cost Details
None. NHS commissioned service
Referral required?
Yes
Referral and availability notes

To access this service you must have a Suffolk GP. 

The Community Perinatal Service is for women who are planning to become pregnant in the future and who have a history of moderate to severe mental health issues.  

The service also accepts new referrals for women who are pregnant or whose baby is under 6 months old. 

Referrals can be made through the Emotional Wellbeing Hub (for people up to 25 years old) For women 25 years old and over, see your GP, Health Visitor, Midwife or other health professional who can make a referral to our service.

Age Groups
16-25 years, Adults, Young people
Service users involved in planning
Yes

Support for people with disabilities

Access Suffolk
Access Suffolk
Experience of including people with special educational needs and disabilities

Please contact us to discuss how our service is able to assist you if you are are a mother with Special Educational Needs or who has a disability.

Telephone
01284 719700 (For reception enquiries)

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