Anyone have any recent experience of PND services in Waltham Forest?

[stressedofnorthlondon]

I've had two rather disappointing appointments today.

Firstly a HV came to see me at home. She was useless, and I ended up getting rather annoyed with her as she couldn't tell me what there was around to help me other than going to see my GP and being referred to the CMHT (by the GP). she suggested a group at the local childrens centre, but I went to this group when I had DS1 and it's not specifically for mums with PND, just to discuss issues and problems and to give each other support as new mums. (and I can't go anyway as I have DS1 at home on that day.) She even managed to make me feel worse - when I said if DS1 woulnt go to sleep if I have to put him to bed when DH is not here (not been done yet) then I'd probably just keep him up (rather than sitting next to him in his cot for two hours as has been necessary recently), she said "oh, won't that be disruptive to his routine? Well it'll be preferable to me having to listen to my non-sleeping 4 month old screaming in the other room, isn't it? Grrrr.

I then went to my GP, explained that I feel low and would like meds and to be referred on. I have a prescription, that's good, and a self referral form for the local IAPT service. She couldn't tell me what specific interventions were available either, just that I'll get triaged by IAPT. Fair enough, but surely she should have some idea of what my options might be?

And how can the HV not know about IAPT? It's a self referral, the GP just handed it to me to take away....

Oh, and as I was putting my coat on she (the GP) said "you';re not feeling suicidal are you?". Well no, I'm not, but if I was, was that the best way to ask that question?!

So, now I just want to know what happens now, once I've filled in and sent off the IAPT form. I've picked up my Sertraline and will start taking them tonight so it's a start, but I'm hoping there's going to be more out there to help me than just meds.

Bump?

Anybody?

OK so you have been offered support from the HV, a group to go to (it's not the HV fault you cannot attend), medication, an IAPT referral. Doesn't sound half bad to me, maybe you need to give some of it a chance.

I've been through IAPT twice in my area (Warwickshire) and I rate them highly. Both times I was assessed by a practice therapist to see what kind of help I needed, the first time the therapist took me on herself as the waiting list for the counsellor she had referred me to was too long and she did lots to stabilise me so I could tackle more specialist work. The second time I had a detailed assessment and was placed on a short-ish waiting list for CBT but decided to go with a very good private therapist in the end.

Well I'm hoping that IAPT will direct me to a useful service. IAPT is just the general access route into MH services in all areas now so fingers crosssed it'll be good round here.

The HV just made me feel worse! She had a referral stating that I was low in mood, but then admitted that she didn't know much about PND services in the area and would have to ask a colleague and get back to me. It didn't make sense to me that she would have seen my referral before she came but didn't prepare at all. She called me to say that yes the group was the only thing.
I'm not saying that the group is no good at all (and of course it's not her fault I can't go!). But knowing how I feel now, and having gone to the group before, I know that it's not what I need as it's not for PND, it's for any new mum. Yes it'd be good to meet some other new mums but I need more than that, I really do.

Is it unreasonable to expect a HV to know about IAPT and local PND services?

The HV also said (and I don't think I put this in my OP, sorry) that they are there to work with the children, not the mums ie will help to sort out feeding issues etc. This surprised me and yet again made me feel even less confident about getting the support that I need.

Unfortunately I'm at the point now where I need to know that there is help out there for me, and today, although yes I did get the meds (that I asked for) and a referral form to fill in, neither of the health professionals that I met with filled me with any confidence that they could support me through this bloody horrible time. Sorry if I sound ungrateful, but that's just how I feel right now!

Thanks Babs I will. I've heard of them before but had totally forgotten about them. I really like the idea of having an email supporter. I've got good friends around here, a couple I've confided in about feeling bad, but I the idea of a bit of distance between me and the person listening, if that makes sense?

The mental health trust that provides services in WF is called NELFT. They have a trustwide Perinatal service and a perinatal CPN based locally. I don't know the criteria for their service but you could contact them by going through the NELFT switchboard. Have you been contacted by WF IAPT yet? They will assess your needs and probably offer you CBT. Waltham Forest MIND is very good also - they offer general counselling sessions. If you feel that your depression is worsening to the point that you are experiencing ideas of self harm or suicidal ideas (even fleeting), you can self refer to the NELFT Waltham Forest Access Team (based off Markhouse Road), they assess all mental health referrals for clients in the Borough and are gatekeepers into local secondary mental health care (0844 600 1242). You can attend as a walk in case and be seen straight away or speak to someone on the phone. NELFT also operate a 24 hour crisis line you can call, if you are in crisis and need to speak to someone (0844 600 1111).

Best of luck.

Thanks summer, that's really helpful. IAPT called me earlier and they are going to refer me to the Perinatal service tomorrow who they said should be able to see me pretty quickly. And if not, IAPT will take me on. At the moment I feel ok, I'm taking the meds and although I know the effects won't have kicked in even knowing I've started has had a calming effect.

It's got me riled again though about my contact with the HV and the GP. Neither of these mentioned the perinatal service. Neither seemed to know anything about it. How can a health visitor, whose job it is to work with and support new mums, not know about an established perinatal MH service in the borough? As my DH said, after the way I felt after speaking to the HV, who basically said there was nothing for me, if I'd felt worse I could easily have given up and not continued to seek help. The person from IAPT was surprised that the HV hadn't discussed it with me. The first thing he asked, in fact, was that since I'd seen a HV had I already been referred to the service?

I'm very tempted to complain tbh!

That's great news that IAPT have been helpful and have referred you to the Perinatal service. I have to agree, the HV and GP should be very aware of Perinatal services - it is their business to know! The service was originally based in Redbridge but has developed over the past few years so that we have a perinatal CPN based locally in the borough. I have worked with the Perinatal consultant psychiatrist when she worked on a different team and she is lovely ;o)

If you feel a complaint is in order, then I'd suggest you follow this up. As you said, the HV knew about your conditoin before she met you, it is part of thier role to pick up on possible PND in new mums so it can be addressed asap. Both the HV and GP should be hot on this topic and be aware of the appropriate services locally to support mums with this.

best of luck, I'll be thinking of you.

What about PIMS?
They are based at Thorpe Combe (AFAIK)
Did you see the specialist HV or just the general one?

Certainly the HV should know about the services in Waltham Forest.

Just to add that the perinatal team only see up to 6mths so you need to follow up quickly.

(my info is based on last year so things may have changed).

MrsDeVere it was the general HV that saew me. When she called me after the apt she asked if I'd like a call from the HV who knew more about this particular area and I said yes that would be good. It's a week later and I've heard nothing . Can I ask if the HV's can refer directly to the perinatal team or is it always via IAPT?

The referral are now going through thanks to IAPT so I should know next week what happens next. Now I just need to get round to writing this complaint to the HV team as I really do think their input has been very shoddy.

I don't know anything about this, I'm afraid, but there certainly seem to be a lot of rubbish HVs in Waltham Forest! Hope you manage to get the help you need and that your complaint helps other women.

I would be very suprised if a HV couldnt refer directly to anyone tbh. They are first line HCP.
I do know that the Solutions team is now self referal. You might have more luck with them but they have a long waiting list.

TBH services in LBWF are in chaos. Cuts have been HUGE.

What sort of area are you in? You dont have to answer or you can PM me. I might know of some services near to you. But its fine if you dont want to reveal any details to me.

I work for the LA but for the children's service. I know central and north better than south.

Hope you get some help soon