This guide recognises the value of research evidence, lived experience and clinical expertise. It was developed in collaboration with health professionals, academics, third sector organisations, mothers with experience of perinatal mental health disorders and their partners.

The good practice guide draws on our reviews of the (as yet relatively limited) academic literature, our survey of professional and service-user views, practice examples, and input from an Expert Reference Group.

Disclaimer: The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Expert Reference Group.

Equality and health inequalities

Promoting equality and addressing health inequalities are at the heart of NHS England’s values. Throughout the development of the policies and processes cited in this document, we have:

• Given due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimisation, to advance equality of opportunity, and to foster good relations between people who share a relevant protected characteristic (as cited under the Equality Act 2010) and those who do not share it.
• Given regard to the need to reduce inequalities between patients in access to, and outcomes from, healthcare services and to ensure services are provided in an integrated way where this might reduce health inequalities.

Information governance statement

Organisations need to be mindful of the need to comply with the Data Protection Act 2018, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Common Law Duty of Confidence and Human Rights Act 1998 (particularly Article 8 – right to family life and privacy)

Accessibility

This information can be made available in alternative formats, such as easy read or large print, and may be available in alternative languages, upon request. Please contact 0300 311 22 33 or email england.contactus@nhs.net stating that this document is owned by the Perinatal Mental Health team at NHS England and Improvement.

You can contact the Perinatal Mental Health team directly by emailing england.perinatalmh@nhs.net