The Bays Hospital expands perinatal mental health support through new partnership

The Bays Hospital has announced a new partnership with Gidget Foundation Australia, expanding access to specialist perinatal mental health services for expectant, new and prospective parents across the Mornington Peninsula.

The collaboration will provide local families with greater access to evidence-based mental health support from conception through to a baby's first year, helping to address the growing need for specialist care during the perinatal period.

Perinatal depression and anxiety affects around one in five mothers and one in 10 fathers, with timely intervention recognised as an important factor in improving outcomes for parents, babies and families.

As part of the partnership, Gidget Foundation Australia will deliver a range of free perinatal mental health services from The Bays Hospital, more accessible for families across the region.

Services include face-to-face psychological therapy through Gidget House, telehealth counselling via the Start Talking program, clinician-led Gidget Village group sessions, and the Gidget Virtual Village, which offers moderated online peer support for expectant and new parents.

The Bays Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Jade Phelan, said the partnership reflects the hospital's commitment to providing holistic care that supports both the physical and emotional wellbeing of parents throughout pregnancy and early parenthood.

"We know the perinatal period can be both joyful and challenging. By partnering with Gidget Foundation Australia, we are ensuring that local families have access to the specialised mental health support they need, when they need it," Ms Phelan said.

She said the collaboration would help reduce barriers to accessing care while ensuring more families could receive support close to home.

The partnership represents another step in The Bays Hospital's ongoing commitment to delivering integrated healthcare services that respond to the changing needs of its community, recognising that mental health is a vital component of maternity and family care.

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