Summary
A woman named Lizzy Berryman had to travel 90 miles for emergency mental health care after giving birth and experiencing postpartum psychosis. Limited availability of specialist mother and baby units meant Lizzy had to receive treatment far from home. She is advocating for more local facilities to help other women facing similar challenges.
Key Facts
- Lizzy Berryman experienced postpartum psychosis four days after giving birth.
- Postpartum psychosis is a serious condition that includes symptoms like hallucinations and severe anxiety.
- Lizzy was taken from York to Derby for treatment, which was 90 miles away, as there were no available beds in Leeds.
- In Yorkshire, some women have been sent as far as London for specialist care due to availability issues.
- Lizzy's treatment in Derby lasted eight weeks, impacting her family financially and emotionally.
- Lizzy has fully recovered and is advocating for more mother and baby units (MBUs) across the country.
- NHS data reveals that around 100 women from Yorkshire have been sent out of their local area for care in the last five years.
- An MP called the situation a "postcode lottery," noting that some areas lack these necessary services.
