Overview

This bill mandates that the National Health Service (NHS) in England provide services and accommodation to mothers with perinatal mental illness and their children under one year old, aiming for a 95% success rate. Eligibility depends on several factors, including the mother's caregiving role, proximity to the care setting, and a lack of risk to the child's welfare.

Description

The Perinatal Mental Illness (NHS Family Services) Bill ensures the NHS provides necessary services and accommodation for mothers experiencing perinatal mental illness. This support is available to mothers of children under one, who are the main or sole carers, live within 75 miles of the facility, and have been assessed as not posing a risk to their child(ren). The mother must also have been admitted to hospital for treatment and express a desire for these services. The NHS aims to meet these needs in at least 95% of eligible cases. Responsibility for implementation falls to NHS England, or any future successor organisation, otherwise the Secretary of State.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for increased government spending. The financial impact will depend on the number of eligible women, the types of services required, and the existing provision levels. It is expected to increase NHS expenditure on mental health services but the precise amount remains undetermined.

Groups Affected

This bill primarily affects:

• Mothers with perinatal mental illness: They will potentially have increased access to NHS services and accommodation to support their mental health and caregiving responsibilities.
• Children under one year old: Their wellbeing is directly considered in the eligibility criteria, ensuring their safety and well-being are prioritized alongside their mothers' needs.
• NHS England (and successor bodies): They bear the responsibility for implementing the bill and providing the required services, potentially necessitating increased staffing and resource allocation.
• The Secretary of State: If no suitable NHS body exists to implement the bill, the responsibility will transfer to them.

Powered by nyModel