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"Access to perinatal counselling"

About: Craigavon Area Hospital / Maternity care Maternity care / Maternity Admission/Assessment Unit Partnership and community development / Perinatal Mental Health Team

(as a service user),

Following 2 miscarriages, I had a very difficult pregnancy which was at high risk of miscarriage or preterm birth (ended up as very premature birth). Throughout my pregnancy I had many complications and needed to attend the EPPC, MAU, was admitted to gynae ward, antenatal ward, DOU, weekly antenatal clinics.

Whilst I feel that my baby was well looked out for, there was little to no psychological support offered to myself or my husband in what was the most difficult time for us which was extremely disappointing.

Once our care was transferred to the Belfast trust we were able to access amazing support services (bereavement midwives, perinatal counselling service, extraordinarily compassionate nurses and doctors) and it felt like it was the first time that we had been seen or heard even though we had both been suffering for many months.

On one occasion when I was attending the MAU in CAH due to another heavy bleed I was told by the doctor that I needed to stop worrying so much which was not particularly helpful. I hope that the mental health support offered to pregnant women and their partners will improve within the southern trust for other women in a similar situation in the future.

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Responses

Response from Paula Boyle, Lead Midwife Community Midwifery, Integrated Maternity and Women's Health, Southern Health and Social Care Trust 14 months ago
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Paula Boyle
Lead Midwife Community Midwifery, Integrated Maternity and Women's Health,
Southern Health and Social Care Trust
Submitted on 09/04/2024 at 13:45
Published on Care Opinion at 13:45


picture of Paula Boyle

Good afternoon,

Thank you for taking the time to share your experience of the care you received within the service at the Southern Trust.

Firstly I am sorry that you felt there was no to little psychological support offered to yourself and husband at this most difficult time.

I will ensure that your feedback is discussed with all of the multi disciplinary team.

I am leaving my contact details so you can contact myself if you wish to discuss this further, I am very happy to do so.

Paula Boyle Head of Midwifery and Gynaecology

paula.boyle@southerntrust.hscni.net

07717543361

Take care Paula

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Response from Roisin Cosgrove, Lead Midwife, Maternity Services, Belfast HSC Trust 13 months ago
Roisin Cosgrove
Lead Midwife, Maternity Services,
Belfast HSC Trust
Submitted on 17/04/2024 at 10:27
Published on Care Opinion at 10:27


Good morning,

Many thanks for taking the time to highlight the amazing care and support you received from the staff in RJMS. I understand that your pregnancy must have been a very anxious time for you and your family, and I am pleased that you feel you received compassionate care from the team in RJMS. I will be happy to pass on your kind words to the staff, and once again many thanks for sharing your experience with us.

Kind regards

Roisin Cosgrove

Lead Midwife.

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