Childbirth-related Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Lord Kamall Excerpts

Wednesday 2nd September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I certainly will take that on board. I completely agree that this is not a new issue, but the report shines another light on the situation. I can confirm to my noble friend that I have specifically said that early identification of issues is crucial. Yes, there is a six-week to eight-week follow-up point, but I know—and many noble Lords will be aware from their own experience in their communities and families—that it is very variable how appropriate, good and effective that is. It is not acceptable that we have such a wide range, so I will focus very much on making those improvements.

[Lord Kamall (Con)]

My Lords, I will focus on two concerns. The first is that GPs often mistake PTSD for postnatal depression, meaning that mothers do not get the appropriate treatment. The second is that at the six-week postnatal check-up, to which the noble Baroness referred, there is no approved framework for assessing women’s risk of having PTSD. As the responsible Minister, what conversations is she having with NHS England and GP organisations to make sure that these two issues are addressed?