The multi-disciplinary team offers antenatal and postnatal assessments, both psychiatric and psychological, for new parents or pregnant women and their partners who are having difficulties adjusting to the pregnancy or the new born baby. In addition, individual counselling, individual psychotherapy, parental counselling, family therapy, group therapy and medication is offered. The emphasis of the service is on close liaison with the midwifery and obstetric teams (hospital and community) antenatally, and with Health Visitors and other community agencies postnatally. Accessibility and acceptability remain core aims of the service. The Perinatal Service works closely with the Child and Family Consultation Service at Violet Melchett, and there is a 'seamless' referral to that service if appropriate.
Telephone or written referrals can be made direct to the team. The team accepts referrals from all services. All referrals are discussed at a weekly multi-disciplinary team meeting, which is open to any key professional wishing to refer or discuss ongoing cases. All referrals are acknowledged within five working days. First appointments are usually offered within two weeks of receiving the referral. The team is unable to deal with emergencies, but does prioritise and will offer rapid appointments within a week for selected cases. The age range is new born-1 year.
PALS Link Worker:
Janice Eldin-Hashem Tel: 020 8746 8972