The International Fellowship Scheme and perinatal psychiatry services in South India

I chose to work as a consultant in Manchester under the International Fellowship Scheme, so that I could gain experience with a view to setting up perinatal psychiatric services in India. The trust accommodated my needs and I was able to spend time working in the perinatal out-patient service at Wythenshawe Hospital and running special services with a perinatal psychiatric nurse in communities around North Manchester. I learnt about child protection issues, pre-pregnancy planning protocols, risk assessments and liaison with general practitioners, nurses and obstetricians. I also had the luxury of caring for several mothers and their babies at home - a novel experience. Thanks to the Fellowship Scheme, my colleagues and I have been able to set up the first formal perinatal psychiatric service for women with severe mental illness in South Asia, at Bangalore. I have also received enquiries from two other female former International Fellows who want to set up these services in other parts of South India.

Mothers who I cared for while in the UK were sad that I was leaving but were happy that I was able to help them briefly and were happier when I told them that mothers in India would now benefit from similar services! I think that I have been able to bring back somthing valuable from the UK thanks to the Fellowship Scheme.