Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Baroness Chapman of Darlington and Jackie Doyle-Price

Tuesday 8th May 2018 Commons Chamber

[Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab)]

7. What support GPs provide to mothers experiencing perinatal mental health problems.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Jackie Doyle-Price)]

We are committed to improving mental health support for expectant and new mothers, and GPs are crucial to that. We recognise that specialist services are also required, and I am proud to announce today that NHS England will be spending £23 million on rolling out the second wave of community perinatal services to underserved parts of the country and is on course to achieve full geographic coverage by 2020-21.

[Jenny Chapman (Darlington) (Lab)]

Given that 95% of mums surveyed by the NCT said that they had experienced mental health problems, that only 22% said they were even asked about this by their GP and that only 24% of the country has any specialist provision, what more does the Minister think she ought to be doing?

[Jackie Doyle-Price]

The second wave roll-out will cover the entire geographical spread of the country. This is a transformational programme, so, by definition, it will take time to roll out, but I agree with the hon. Lady that GPs do have a role to play in this. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends postnatal checks for mothers, and NHS England expects commissioners to undertake that those guidelines are being met. As for any further support by GPs, she will be aware that there is a renegotiation of the GP contract and it will be covered there.