Blackpool Council Annual Health Report 2019 Blackpool Council Annual Health Report PAGES | Page 16
16
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
Alcohol exposure during pregnancy is considered one of the main preventable cause of
birth defects and a diverse range of developmental disorders known collectively as Foetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Harm caused by alcohol in pregnancy is significantly higher in
Blackpool than the national average and is amongst the highest in the country. Members
of the Public Health team and The Better Start Partnership have been conducting
research to investigate local perspectives on the issue to better inform interventions to
reduce alcohol consumption in pregnancy. As a result of this research, a 12-month media
campaign was launched in November 2018, featuring a local Mum, Dad, Nan and best
friend dressed as superheroes with the aim to reduce the number of alcohol exposed
pregnancies in Blackpool.
The PREGNANCY PARTNERSHIP CLINIC was developed in conjunction with
obstetricians, anaesthetists, midwives and addiction specialists to provide a
multi-agency and person-centred approach to manage pregnancy in women
with addiction issues. Women attend the clinic four weekly and are also offered
weekly or fortnightly appointments with their key worker and a specialist midwife
at Horizon. Referrals to additional support for domestic violence and mental
health support are made as needed. The clinic facilitates delivery of high intensity
behaviour change interventions, which are critically important at this stage in a
woman’s addiction to support safe delivery of a healthy baby and to provide the
woman with the best possible opportunities to lead a healthier lifestyle for her
and her family.