A new mother who was detained in a psychiatric hospital for five weeks says she "felt like a prisoner" because she was separated from her baby. Shelley Browne, who had postpartum psychosis, was admitted under a mental health order after giving birth three years ago. In Great Britain mothers are cared for in specialist mother and baby units, but women in Northern Ireland are admitted to general psychiatric wards, separated from their babies. The business case for a mother and baby unit is months overdue, but the Department of Health (DoH) said it was well developed. However, it has also warned any future unit is dependent on funding being identified. Shelley told BBC Spotlight she felt "lonely" and "pathetic" after being dropped off at the door of the Ulster Hospital psychiatric ward without her daughter, but said staff tried their best. "I went in voluntarily and it was just the loneliest feeling in the world getting dropped off at a mental health ward with a bag and no baby," the 35-year-old said. Each year, about 100 women in Northern Ireland are admitted to adult psychiatric wards for similar care, without their babies. SOURCE:NHS "I was a mother without her child and I felt like a prisoner," said Shelley. "She wasn't with me, and I was in a mental facility. And it just broke me every morning." Seven health ministers have supported the idea of a mother and baby unit in Northern Ireland, but funding has never been found. Danielle Sands refused hospital treatment to stay with her first son, Joe, in 2022. Instead she relied on specialist community teams. "They had made it very clear that when I would go in there, I wouldn't have my Joe with me." "There was voices in my head 24/7, and they were negative," she said. "Telling me everything I couldn't do, I wasn't good enough." Danielle and her partner, Nial, were supported by a community specialist perinatal mental health nurse. The term perinatal covers the period of time from when a woman becomes pregnant, and up to a year after giving birth. Each of Northern Ireland's five health trusts receive more than 250 referrals for the community services each year, but because of staffing pressures they can only accept about 70 patients at a time. Dr Julie Anderson, chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Northern Ireland, estimates the number of women admitted to hospital could double or triple if a mother and baby unit was established. "It's really, really frustrating knowing that there's much better care that our mums should be getting here in Northern Ireland," she said. "And frankly, to be honest, somewhat embarrassing that we've been talking about this for almost 20 years and we're still not there yet." In 2018, Orlaith Quinn died at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in Belfast. The 33-year-old had given birth to her third child, a daughter, less than 48 hours earlier. Siobhan Graham said her daughter began showing signs of postpartum psychosis shortly after giving birth. "To go in and have a baby and come back out in a coffin, and you've three children left without their mother, it's just not a position you think you'll ever find yourself in a million years," she said. Orlaith's body was found in a part of the hospital that is unused at night. She had taken her own life. A 2022 inquest concluded Orlaith's death had been "foreseeable and preventable" and that there were a number of missed opportunities in her care and treatment. In a statement, the Belfast Health Trust said it would like to extend a sincere and unreserved apology to Orlaith's family. It added its maternity team would like the opportunity to meet Orlaith's family to offer an apology in person. The trust said it was committed to learning from Orlaith's death and had put in place a training programme to help staff recognise the wider spectrum of perinatal mental health disorders, and the risk of maternal suicide. Coroner Maria Dougan tied the death to the absence of a mother and baby unit, finding that one should be established in Northern Ireland. Consultant perinatal psychiatrist, Dr Jo Black, who is originally from Cookstown, was instrumental in setting up a mother and baby unit in Devon. An eight-bed unit, the layout and decor of Jasmine Lodge means it does not feel clinical. It has areas for families to visit, and a team of specialists. She said it was "extraordinary" there is not a similar unit on the island of Ireland. "All of our evidence shows us that maternal suicide remains a major killer in the maternity period," she said. "We can't shy away from that, and so these units save lives." Between 2021 and 2023, 34% of late maternal deaths have been linked to mental health, according to a report byMBRRACE-UK, which includes Northern Ireland. A late maternal death is when a woman died between six weeks and one year after pregnancy. It is currently thought more than 3,500 women develop perinatal mental illness in Northern Ireland each year. However, poor data collection could mean the need for perinatal mental health services is being underestimated, according to Dr Julie Anderson. Spotlight has confirmed the Department of Health has yet to implement a2017 recommendationfrom the health regulator to improve data collection. At the time, the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA) said patient coding should be improved. The Department of Health said a review of coding practices for perinatal mental health conditions, and related hospital admissions, was planned. If you have been affected by any of the issues in this story you can find information and support on theBBC Actionlinewebsite.
'I had to leave my baby and felt like a prisoner in hospital'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Mother's Struggle with Postpartum Psychosis Highlights Gaps in Northern Ireland's Mental Health Services"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Shelley Browne, a new mother who experienced postpartum psychosis, endured a harrowing five-week stay in a psychiatric hospital, where she felt isolated and imprisoned due to her separation from her baby. Admitted under a mental health order shortly after giving birth three years ago, Shelley’s experience highlights a significant gap in maternal mental health care in Northern Ireland. Unlike Great Britain, where mothers can receive treatment in specialized mother and baby units, women in Northern Ireland are often placed in general psychiatric wards, forcing them to be apart from their infants. Despite the Department of Health's acknowledgment of the necessity for a mother and baby unit, the implementation has been stalled due to funding issues, leaving many mothers like Shelley to cope with their mental health challenges alone. Each year, around 100 women in Northern Ireland find themselves in similar situations, leading to feelings of loneliness and despair as they navigate their recovery without the support of their newborns.
The need for improved maternal mental health services is underscored by tragic cases, such as that of Orlaith Quinn, who died shortly after giving birth, highlighting the dire consequences of inadequate care. Health professionals, including Dr. Julie Anderson from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, express frustration over the lack of progress in establishing a mother and baby unit, which could significantly reduce the number of women requiring hospitalization. Current community mental health services are overwhelmed, with only a fraction of referrals being accepted due to staffing shortages. The absence of a dedicated unit not only perpetuates the stigma surrounding mental health but also exacerbates the risk of maternal suicide, a leading cause of death during the perinatal period. Experts emphasize that establishing such units is essential for providing the supportive environment necessary for mothers and their babies, ultimately saving lives and improving mental health outcomes for new mothers in Northern Ireland.
TruthLens AI Analysis
This article sheds light on the distressing experiences of women with postpartum psychosis in Northern Ireland, particularly focusing on the case of Shelley Browne. Her narrative highlights the emotional toll of being separated from her newborn while receiving psychiatric care. The report also critiques the healthcare system's failure to provide suitable facilities for mothers and their babies, raising important questions about mental health treatment in the region.
Emotional Impact on Mothers
The article vividly portrays the feelings of isolation and despair that Shelley Browne and others like her experience when separated from their infants during treatment. By using powerful quotes, the piece evokes empathy from readers, effectively illustrating the psychological burden of being a mother in such circumstances. This emotional narrative aims to foster public support for the establishment of specialized mother and baby units in Northern Ireland.
Critique of Healthcare System
The coverage points out the inadequacies in Northern Ireland’s mental health services, contrasting it with the support systems available in Great Britain. The fact that mothers are admitted to general psychiatric wards instead of specialized units is a significant point of contention. This situation calls for urgent government action and funding to address the needs of these vulnerable women, highlighting a systemic issue that has persisted despite the support of health ministers.
Public Awareness and Advocacy
The article serves to raise awareness about postpartum psychosis and the need for better mental health care for mothers. It encourages public discourse around mental health issues, aiming to mobilize community support for policy changes. By sharing personal stories, the report seeks to humanize the statistics and foster a sense of urgency in addressing these healthcare gaps.
Potential for Manipulation
While the article presents a compelling narrative, it could also be seen as somewhat manipulative in its emotional appeals. The focus on individual stories might overshadow broader systemic issues or alternative viewpoints regarding mental health treatment. The language used is emotionally charged, which could influence public perception and provoke a strong reaction, potentially leading to calls for change without addressing the complexities involved in mental health funding and policy-making.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The report appears credible, as it cites personal testimonies and acknowledges the systemic challenges within the healthcare system. However, the emotional tone and focus on personal stories may lead to a skewed perception of the issue. Readers should consider the broader context of mental health care when evaluating the claims made in the article.
Impact on Society and Policy
This article could stimulate discussions around mental health policies and funding priorities in Northern Ireland. Increased public awareness may lead to advocacy for improved facilities for mothers suffering from postpartum psychosis, potentially influencing legislative agendas and funding allocations.
Audience Engagement
The narrative is likely to resonate with mothers, mental health advocates, and the general public concerned about maternal health issues. By targeting those interested in mental health and motherhood, the article aims to galvanize support for necessary changes in the healthcare system.
Economic and Market Implications
While the article primarily addresses healthcare issues, it may indirectly affect public funding priorities and healthcare investments. Companies involved in mental health services or maternal care may find the highlighted issues relevant, prompting discussions within the sector about service offerings and support systems.
Global Context and Relevance
The issues raised in this article reflect broader global conversations about maternal mental health and the need for adequate support systems. As mental health becomes an increasingly urgent topic worldwide, this report contributes to a growing body of advocacy for better care solutions.
Artificial Intelligence Involvement
There is no clear indication that AI was used in the writing of this article. However, if AI tools were employed, they may have influenced the narrative structure or language to enhance emotional appeal. The impact of AI would depend on its use in editing or generating content that aligns with the intended message of raising awareness about mental health issues.
In conclusion, this article serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by mothers with postpartum psychosis in Northern Ireland, while also advocating for systemic changes in mental health care. The emotional narratives presented are compelling, but readers should remain aware of the complexities of mental health policies when considering the implications of the report.