Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in the light of the publication of the British Journal of General Practice study Diagnosing in the dark, published on 31 May, what discussions have they had with NHS England and GP organisations to (1) ensure that GPs receive appropriate guidance and training in diagnosing both post-natal post-traumatic stress disorder and post-natal depression and the difference between them, and (2) agree and approve a framework for assessing women’s risk of having PTSD.

NHS England has developed eLearning on trauma-informed care and Perinatal Mental Health Birth Trauma to support professionals involved in perinatal care.

The National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce is developing a National Maternity and Neonatal Action Plan, within which maternal mental health is an area of focus, reflecting Baroness Amos’ recommendation for further consideration.