Celebrating 15 years of transforming perinatal mental health at Bedfordshire Hospitals
In January 2016, Luton and Dunstable University Hospital launched its first perinatal mental health service with just one member of staff.
The purpose of the service is to provide support for pregnant women / birthing people experiencing mental health difficulties during pregnancy and in the early postnatal period.
It is part of routine maternity care for all women / birthing people to be asked about their emotional wellbeing at every appointment. This is an important part of maternity care because many women and birthing people can experience changes in their emotions during pregnancy and this can be entirely normal. However some will begin a pregnancy with a pre-existing mental health diagnoses and require support during their pregnancy journey.
Ten years later, what began as a one person team has flourished into an established service which provides evidence based assistance and advice, including with mental health medication. There are three dedicated perinatal mental health midwives across both hospital sites, a number of consultant obstetricians with a specialist interest in perinatal mental health, and as of 2026, the first ever Advanced Clinical Practitioner within maternity.
Five years ago, the same service was established at Bedford Hospital by the original member of staff, bringing the total to 15 years of service delivered across Bedfordshire.
The teams are very proud to work closely with a number of local mental health services. This includes the community perinatal mental health team; a multidisciplinary team including nurses and psychiatrists caring for service users with moderate to severe mental health challenges in pregnancy and the postnatal period and the OCEAN service. OCEAN is a small integrated team of Psychologists and Emotional Wellbeing Midwives working with women / birthing people antenatally and postnatally who are experiencing moderate to severe psychological distress from their previous experiences of pregnancy or baby loss and birth trauma. They can also work with people who have had fertility difficulties and are childless not by choice.
Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Michelle holds sign with 15 on it
Over the past 15 years, thousands of families have been supported through clinics and one-to-one care.
Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Michelle, was the first member of staff within the service. She reflects on the journey so far: “I’ve been here since the beginning and seeing how the right support can change things for a whole family is what has kept me so motivated.
“Within my new role, I’m excited to develop our service further to offer a seamless care pathway for families experiencing mental health difficulties.”
“It is an absolute privilege for me to be in this position and to continue to provide support within my local community.”
Jenni, Interim Head of Midwifery at the L&D said: “This is a fantastic achievement and this milestone belongs to everyone who has been part of the journey from the dedicated staff who remain focused on providing support to the courageous families who have embraced the service provided. Thank you everyone.”
If you need support with your mental health in pregnancy or postnatally, please speak to your midwife or request support during admission to the maternity wards.
Celebrating 15 years of transforming perinatal mental health at Bedfordshire Hospitals – Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
