Baroness Merron visits LGT | News

As part of Maternal Mental Health Week, Baroness Gillian Merron, Minister for Patient Safety, Women's Health and Mental Health, visited Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) to learn more about the award-winning maternity services provided by Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust (LGT).

 

After meeting members of the senior team, Baroness Merron was taken on a tour of the Maternity Department expertly hosted by Sophie Russell, Head of Midwifery at QEH and President of the Royal College of Midwives; and Vlora Purchase, Specialist Midwife for Perinatal Mental Health.

 

Baroness Merron spent time speaking with maternity colleagues and patients, including those supported by our bereavement and safeguarding teams. She heard directly about the impact of LGT’s specialist maternity mental health services and how they support women before and after birth. She also met with Chrissy Brown, Founder and CEO of The Motivational Mums Club, who shared how community partnerships are supporting women’s wellbeing throughout and beyond pregnancy, and talked through how closely she works with LGT.

 

In Greenwich, specialist perinatal midwives provide focused support to women experiencing mental health challenges during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. Services like Best Beginnings and Indigo offer enhanced care to those needing additional support for mental health, domestic abuse, substance misuse, or social care needs.

 

This visit also highlighted the Trust’s ongoing commitment to compassionate, inclusive maternity care. 2024 saw the launch of the LGT Maternity Charter, co-produced with service users, which sets clear promises around Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Listening, Support, and Language, ensuring every woman and birthing person feels supported and heard.

 
The visit coincided with International Day of the Midwife, and LGT marked the occasion with celebrations across sites. Our 300 dedicated midwives enjoyed an interactive exhibition, a fun quiz with prizes, and the LGT Midwife of the Year awards, recognising excellence in care.

Women’s Health Minister Baroness Merron, said: “It was a privilege to visit Queen Elizabeth Hospital and speak to both patients about their maternal mental health struggles and staff who do such a fantastic job of treating, supporting and caring for them.

“This visit was an excellent example of how best to support women and families. But there is no doubt more needs to be done to address this critical issue and ensure all women and families have access to the high-quality, compassionate care and support they need.

“As we keep working to improve services for pregnant women and new mothers, we know that women’s voices must be at the heart of all we do.”

 
Vlora Purchase, Specialist Midwife for Perinatal Mental Health, explained:  “The visit was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the essential role Perinatal Mental Health services play in maternity care. I have formed a real connection with every mother I’ve supported. It’s so important that women receive the right support at the right time, and I am  proud of the work our team at LGT does every day to make that happen. The message I want to share with others is this, it’s okay not to be okay.”

Ceinwen, a maternity patient who met the Baroness, shared: “It meant so much to be listened to and get support from the team at LGT, it made a real difference in my journey.”

Raisa, another maternity patient who also met the Baroness, reflected:  "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the support I had received. I was in a really dark place, feeling lost and alone. But Vlora and the team were there for me, lifting me up and showing me that there was light at the end of the tunnel. Their support helped me find my way back."

During Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, two mothers receiving care from LGT bravely shared their personal experiences in a powerful video. The initiative was part of a collaboration between LGT, Department of Health and Social Care, and the Motivational Mums Club, a support group dedicated to raising awareness and breaking the stigma around maternal mental health. Watch the video to hear their inspiring journeys.