Press release
Minister Butler visits Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Service at the Rotunda Hospital
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
Today, on International Women’s Day and as part of Women’s Health Week 2022, Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, visited the specialist perinatal mental health service at the Rotunda Hospital.
The specialist perinatal mental health service at the Rotunda provides essential mental health supports to mothers during the perinatal period, including CBT, a birth trauma clinic, and postnatal depression support groups. The service has also developed a number of initiatives working with marginalized groups, including working collaboratively with members of the travelling community to increase awareness of perinatal mental health supports.
Minister Butler said:
"The period during pregnancy, as well as after giving birth, can often be a very challenging time for mothers, particularly with regards to their mental health. It is therefore crucial that women feel supported throughout this period and receive the appropriate care. It was a privilege to be able to visit the service in the Rotunda and see firsthand the essential work carried out there to support women’s mental health."
Importantly, specialist Perinatal Mental Health Services are a public service available to all women. In line with the Model of Care for Perinatal Mental Health, all women are now asked questions not only about their physical health but are also asked about their mental health needs when they first access maternity services.
Minister Butler continued:
"Enhancing perinatal mental health services remains a key objective for me and the government as a whole. I am delighted that our investment to date has allowed for a specialist perinatal mental health network to be fully implemented across Ireland. The crucial next step towards improving our specialist perinatal mental health services will be the development of Ireland’s first in-patient mental health Mother and Baby Unit, and I am firmly committed to progressing this essential service."
Minister Butler’s visit follows from the launch earlier today of the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022-2023, which is the first Women’s Health action plan published in Ireland. The Women’s Health Action Plan provides a strategic framework to prioritise women’s healthcare into the future, identifying and responding to gaps in women’s health services while also working to improve women’s experiences of healthcare.
Minister Butler concluded:
"I am particularly delighted that the Women’s Health Action Plan 2022/2023 emphasises the need for strong mental health supports for women and girls. It is a priority for me, as Minister with responsibility for mental health, to ensure our mental health services are gender-sensitive and that women and girls receive high-quality mental health services and supports in a timely manner. Women’s health remains a top priority for this government and has been strongly supported in Budget 2022 with €31 million additional funding for new developments in women’s health."