Health minister welcomes NICE guidelines on antenatal and postnatal mental health services

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey has welcomed recent National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidance on antenatal and postnatal mental health services.

The minister intends further improvements in the service by strengthening the integrated approach to health and social care services.

Mr McGimpsey said: “The health of women during and after pregnancy is a priority, and this applies as much to their mental health as their physical health.

“I want to ensure that when mental health services are needed mothers get the help they need quickly and effectively.

“I have asked Health and Social Services Boards to bring forward an action plan for implementation of the guidance, including the provision of specialist inpatient services.”

He added: “I also want to see improvements in the links between maternity, mental health services and child and family services.

“We provide integrated health and social care services in Northern Ireland and while the NICE guidelines go some way to securing improvements in mental health services for women before and after pregnancy, I want to see a robust plan for ensuring the links with family and child services are strengthened.

“I look forward to seeing the boards’ plans over the coming months and I am confident that these, together with implementation of the NICE guidance, will secure significant improvements in this vital service.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.