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New Parents Face Crisis as Key NHS Mental Health Service Closes
8 Jul
Summary
- Specialist NHS mental health service for new parents has closed.
- Funding cut by Oxfordshire County Council led to the closure.
- Charity support is limited, leaving many families without help.
The Infant Parent Perinatal Service (IPPS), a specialist NHS mental health support service for new parents, has ceased operations this month. This closure follows Oxfordshire County Council's withdrawal of its estimated £700,000 annual contribution, which was part of a pooled budget alongside the Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB).
Jai Adhyaru, a mother from Banbury who received crucial therapy during and after her pregnancy, expressed her worry. She believes the closure "could impact on safety" if new parents lack access to essential mental health support. Adhyaru credits therapy with helping her bond with her daughter, Siya-Katerina, and adjust to motherhood.
The IPPS previously served the majority of an estimated 3,500 families requiring mental health support annually. A local charity, the Oxford Parent Infant Project, offers support but can only assist approximately 200 people each year, highlighting a significant gap in provision.
The Thames Valley ICB has stated that it is collaborating with partners across Oxfordshire to ensure families continue to receive timely and necessary care, despite the service's closure.
