Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has questioned a panel of NHS leaders and Royal College representatives over the provision of mental health and domestic abuse support for perinatal women amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Taking part in a recent virtual Health and Social Care Committee Oral Evidence session on ‘Delivering Core NHS and Care Services during the Pandemic and Beyond’, James raised a number of issues including the provision of mental health services in the current environment and support for pregnant women experiencing domestic abuse.
He said: “Pregnancy is a very stressful time for women and their families under normal circumstances, so I was keen to raise the provision of mental health services in the current scenario.”
During the pandemic, anxiety among pregnant women has been heightened, and there has been an increase in referrals to perinatal mental health services.
The first point of contact for all pregnant women who are feeling anxious in pregnancy, particularly during the pandemic, should be their midwife, who has training in supporting women in these circumstances, and also the ability to refer onwards if they believe that a wider mental health team would be of assistance.
With cases of general domestic abuse for both men and women having escalated during lockdown, James asked how pregnant women have been affected, given that domestic abuse increases during pregnancy generally.
Again, the midwife is the conduit for support for pregnant women who are experiencing domestic abuse. Midwives are able to contact women via telephone and virtual means to provide support.James also spoke of the importance of partners being present during labour amid the pandemic and asked whether regular Covid testing would make this easier. Partners are generally now allowed to be present, unless they have Covid symptoms.
James also spoke of the importance of partners being present during labour amid the pandemic and asked whether regular Covid testing would make this easier. Partners are generally now allowed to be present, unless they have Covid symptoms.
Advice and support available to all victims of domestic abuse include:
- The free and confidential Welsh Women’s Aid Live Fear Free Helpline: 0808 8010 800 (lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or by emailing helpline advisors and starting a conversation at [email protected].
- Police – 999, press 55 when prompted if you can’t speak
- 24-hour National domestic abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247
- Men’s advice line: 0808 801 032
- The North Wales Women’s Centre, who provide confidential crisis support for women around issues such as homelessness and domestic abuse. Telephone: 01745 339331 Email:[email protected]
- Boots Pharmacies, who are offering a unique ‘safe space’ for victims of domestic abuse during lockdown. Those needing help can ask staff at Boots Pharmacies to use the consultation room where they will be able to contact services for help and advice in complete privacy.
For further information on perinatal and postnatal mental health support visit: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/postnatal-depression-and-perinatal-mental-health/support-and-services/