Psychiatric Referral, Assessment and
Management of Mothers and Babies Service (PRAMMBS)
PRAMMBS consists of Andersen Ward Mother and Baby Unit, the
Perinatal Clinic and a Perinatal Liaison Service operating within
Manchester.
To make a referral to PRAMMBS, please use the
Perinatal Clinic Referral Form.
Andersen Ward
Andersen Ward is a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) which covers the
entire North West. The unit's core purpose is to provide a
consistently high level of quality specialist mental health care to
both women who are pregnant and mothers following child birth.
Central to the philosophy of the MBU is to promote the mother
and baby relationship within a secure and supportive environment
while incorporating evidence based practice drawn from the fields
of both peri-natal and general mental health knowledge.
The time around childbearing may make some women vulnerable to
recurrences of, or new mental health problems. In cases of
depression, puerperal psychosis and other mental disorders, the
separation of mother and baby can create a secondary disturbance of
bonding.
The unit provides comprehensive advice, medical and
psychological assessment and treatment for women with previous or
current mental health problems who have recently given birth, are
pregnant or who wish to become pregnant. It also offers support and
supervision which is tailored to the individuals needs to promote
and ensure the infants safety.
The unit is run by professionals who have longstanding
experience in perinatal psychiatry and work as a cohesive and
highly motivated team. The team includes a Consultant Psychiatrist,
In-patient Nurses, Nursery Nurses, and a Clinical Psychologist and
also has access to Occupational Health Services and
Physiotherapists.
Mothers who are admitted to the ward may be experiencing
maternal mental health difficulties such as post-natal depression
or post-partum psychosis or an exacerbation of existing mental
health difficulties such as schizophrenia or bipolar affective
disorder.
The involvement of partners, family members and friends is
encouraged and the unit offers support and education for all who
visit.
Andersen Ward provides facilities for up to ten mothers and
babies including:
- Single rooms with separate shower rooms.
- Two nurseries
- A dining area
- A fully equipped milk kitchen
- An observation room
- A fenced garden, patio and outside play area
- A ladies only lounge
- A self-contained flat
In addition to the above Andersen Ward, with prior agreement and
discussion, also offer a Parenting Assessment service for those who
are considered by the local authority to present an identified or
potential risk to their child as a result of existing mental health
problems.
Perinatal Liaison Service
Mental health issues can occur during pregnancy and after
childbirth (the perinatal period). One in ten women may have
symptoms ranging from anxiety to severe depression, or
an exacerbation of existing mental health difficulties.
Assessment in the antenatal period (before birth) can
minimise or prevent reoccurrence of mental illness
and specialist care planning can reduce the impact of mental
illness on children and partners as well as promote a positive
childbirth experience for the mother.
The Perinatal Liaison Nurse
The Perinatal Liaison Nurse:
- Offers referral and advice information to Health
professionals
- Promotes a perinatal advisory obstetric liaison service by
providing referral advice between PRAMMBS and maternity services in
North, South and Central Manchester
- Provides an advisory referral link to Community Mental Health
Teams at Manchester Mental Health & Social Care Trust as
well as Primary Mental Health Care teams and Children's and
Families Services
- Advises on care planning and support for women seen in the
Perinatal Outpatient Clinic in the Manchester area
- Promotes multidisciplinary interagency working and offers
education to other Health Professionals
Contact details
Address:
Andersen Ward
Telephone: 0161 291 6822
Fax: 0161 291 6821
Address:
Andersen Ward Mother and Baby Unit
Laureate House
Wythenshawe Hospital
Southmoor Road
Baguley
Manchester
M23 9AL
carla.mobear@mhsc.nhs.uk
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Perinatal Liaison
Mary Burke
mary.burke@mhsc.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0161 882 2098
Address: Hexagon
Tower, Crumpsall Vale, Blackley, Manchester
M9 8ZS