Formal NHS Scotland partner InnoScot Health believes that enhanced perinatal mental health care in the north east is an important step up in support for expectant and new mothers

NHS Grampian has announced that Moray now has an advanced psychology practitioner to help local families as the wider team sets its sights on delivering a full, sustainable obstetric service at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin.

Rebecca Riddoch took up the new Elgin-based post at the end of August and said she is keen to ensure “people are seen as quickly as possible by the right service”.

Previously spending six years working as a psychological therapist and team lead within the primary care psychological therapies service in Aberdeen, she said: “It’s important for women and families to know it’s ok to say, ‘I need a bit of help.’”

Head of Innovation at InnoScot Health, Robert Rea commented: “This new appointment is a fantastic example of comprehensive, compassionate perinatal support being provided in the heart of the community – of helping local women and families at a key time of transition, particularly for the developing relationship between mother and baby.

“It is not uncommon for new and expectant mothers to be at risk of, or affected by, mental illness, but timely, evidence-based care and treatment that is delivered by the NHS workforce on an individually tailored, local basis typically leads to positive outcomes.

“InnoScot Health is championing continuous improvement in this area of care which we firmly believe can not only benefit from recognition of wider societal issues such as a gender health gap exacerbated by deprivation, but also from the insights of empowered healthcare innovators.

“Indeed, we believe the workforce is best placed to target forward-thinking pregnancy and perinatal solutions to support the mental health of pregnant and new mothers while making a vital contribution to Scotland’s goal of placing more focus on addressing inequalities.”

Last year, InnoScot Health announced its pregnancy and perinatal innovation call which is targeted at making breakthroughs in care through the identification of efficient, inclusive new thinking from NHS Scotland staff to promote and support good maternal and child health.

First Minister John Swinney recently outlined government plans for improving pregnancy and perinatal care across the country – a message backed by InnoScot Health.

Mr Swinney announced his first Programme for Government 2024-25, foregrounding “an intense focus on early intervention” for both infants and new mothers.

Following the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan (2021-2024) and Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC), he said they are committed to “supporting babies, children, and young people through the early, formative years of their life”.

Mr Swinney further pledged to “ensure more women receive care and support from the same midwife from pregnancy through birth, prioritising those who are most likely to benefit, such as minority ethnic women and women with additional social needs”.

Robert continued: “It’s good to hear recognition that changes must be implemented nationally, but the process can start locally with the incremental addition of fresh expertise making a big impact on communities.

“Knowing that the right people are on hand also encourages referrals so that those who want to discuss mental health issues can do so on a one-to-one basis and can get the support they need.

“The ability to share that expertise and insight is a wonderful asset and can be a great platform for NHS innovation shaped by the deep understanding of individual experiences.

“Progressive ideas might be anything from new digital methods of remotely supporting mothers and bespoke telemedicine enhancements, to low-cost devices which could help pregnant women with type 1 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels, and fresh nutritional approaches, all underpinned by inclusive events.

“Whether an idea is simple or complex, it’s the impact that counts, and we firmly believe that anyone can be an innovator. NHS Scotland staff just have to take the first easy step of submitting an idea or proposal by completing a short online form.”