User:Alice.Dowden/sandbox

Collection
New research showed that women from certain ethnic groups find it most difficult to access help. The study included data on 615,092 women during pregnancy and the first year after birth (the perinatal period). It looked at their use of mental health services.

Women from Black African, Asian and White Other backgrounds had poorer access to mental health services in the community than White British women. Once they had accessed the system, they made good use of the support offered. But they were more likely to be detained in hospital (involuntary admission) for severe problems requiring urgent treatment.

Different groups of women need better access to care. Good interpreters, appropriate information for all groups, and flexible, culturally-relevant services could all help. The findings are in line with a recent national audit and a large NIHR-funded database study, which highlight the need to address inequalities in maternity care."“It is encouraging to see research that brings new insight to various aspects of maternity care and the care of complex pregnancies. It is also greatly encouraging to see that women’s and parents’ experiences are at the forefront of these investigations, so that professionals can use best evidence in providing safe, effective and sensitive care in partnership with maternity service users.” Elizabeth Bailey, Director of the Elizabeth Bryan Multiple Births Centre, Birmingham City University."