NHS to open new mental health hub for Lancashire mums at Blackpool Victoria Hospital

The 26 new hubs being set up across the country will provide maternity services, psychological therapy, reproductive health and treatment for a wide range of post and prenatal mental health issues all under one roof, NHS England said.

Lancashire's hub, which will be based in the Vic's women and children's unit, is set to be one of the first to open later this year.

An NHS spokesman said: "The new maternity hub will be located at the Women and Children's unit at Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

"Recruitment is currently underway, and the hub is expected to open later on in the year."

Around 6,000 women are expected to receive care and treatment for mental health issues by the end of 2021-22.

Mothers with a wide range of mental health issues will be supported by staff at the hub, from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after giving birth, to mothers with a severe fear of childbirth.

Ten of the sites, including Lancashire's, will open during 2021, with the rest set to open by April next year.

Every area in the country will have a maternity mental health hub by April 2024, as part of the NHS Long Term Plan to increase access to psychological support for women before, during and after pregnancy, NHS England added.

Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s national mental health director, said: “Every woman has a unique experience with pregnancy and motherhood and some will need extra support to cope with mental health issues that can range from anxiety to severe depression so I am delighted that mothers across all areas of the country will be able to access this help if they need it.

“The NHS is here for everyone who needs help and the expansion of specialist care through the rollout of these maternal mental health services will strengthen the services already in place, enabling us to improve the quality of care and outcomes for many women.

“I would encourage any mum who needs this support to come forward safe in the knowledge that her mental health and wellbeing are of paramount importance and she should not feel ashamed of accessing the help she needs.”