The Perinatal Trauma and Loss Service, run by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, has extended its reach to include women in Peterborough, Huntingdon, and Fenland. The expansion follows a successful pilot program initially focused on Cambridge and Ely, demonstrating a clear need for dedicated support in this sensitive area.
The service provides vital assessment, psychological treatment, and specialist midwifery care to women experiencing moderate to severe, or complex, mental health difficulties following the loss of a baby. This loss can occur at any stage of pregnancy, or within the first year of the baby’s life – a period often overlooked in mainstream mental health provision.
Women access the service through referrals from their GP or other healthcare professionals. Following a thorough initial assessment, eligible individuals can benefit from a range of specialist psychological therapies designed to address prolonged grief, trauma, and other mental health challenges. The team also includes specialist midwives, providing crucial support for women who are considering or planning future pregnancies following a loss.
The expansion marks a significant step in improving access to perinatal mental health care, addressing a previously underserved need within the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough region. The NHS Trust hopes this expanded service will provide essential support and facilitate healing for many women and families navigating the profound grief of baby loss.
