Maternal Mental Health
Maternal mental health as part of the MidCentral Reconfiguration Project is geographically located at CAFS Konini House.
Maternal Mental Health is a service for families either pregnant or post partum experiencing difficulties with or without an existing mental health presentation.
Maternal Mental Health's aim is to ensure optimum wellbeing for families in the birthing experience.
What services does the Maternal Mental Health Clinician offer?
- Advice and clinical support
- Consultation
- Clinical peer supervision
- Education both to internal and external agencies of MidCentral Health
- Works in partnership as a co worker with other key workers in mental health
- Attends multi disciplinary meetings as required
- Liaises and consults with Capital and Coast Regional Maternal Mental Health Services
- Completes maternal mental health screening assessments as required
- Uses the Edinburgh Post Natal Depression Scale Assessment Tool (EPDS)
- Facilitates pre-birth planning meetings
Are these services only open to the Mental Health Service?
NO, the maternal mental health service provides assistance to all areas of MidCentral Health
Does maternal mental health only see women with Post Natal Depression?
No, maternal mental health will see women who have post natal psychosis or women with Post Traumatic symptoms associated with pregnancy or birth trauma and women in the ante natal period.
Will maternal mental health see everyone?
No, each referral is treated on a case by case basis. All referrals must have a EPDS consideration for Maternal Mental Health input will be based on EPDS and/or other clinical information.
What age group does maternal mental health cover?
All ages, the criteria is to be pregnant or have had a baby within the last twelve months.
About the Team
There is one full time position which is currently filled by a registered nurse mental health who works alongside other members of the mental health staff including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and other registered mental health nurses.
The role of maternal mental health is that of consult liaison.
Contact Us
Maternal Mental Health
CAFS Konini House
Palmerston North Hospital
Private Bag 11036 Palmerston North 4442
Telephone: 06 3508373 extension 7640
Facsimile: 06 3508374
Email: sue.duff@midcentralhealthdhb.govt.nz
Mental Health Line: 0800 653 357
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Last Updated 22/11/2011