Mental Health Services in Norfolk and Suffolk could be hit hard by cuts

Posted 09/01/2013

Fears have been raised about the shake-up of Norfolk and Suffolk’s mental health services after it emerged that front-line doctor posts could be cut by more than a third. Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust launched a consultation amongst its staff last year after announcing plans to shed 500 posts and 20% of its inpatient beds by 2016.

Officials from a doctors’ union have now raised their concerns about the proposals after seeing a document from the trust that says consultant doctor numbers could be cut by a third and other grades of doctor reduced by 40% over the next three years.

Peter Mitchell, regional co-ordinator for the union, said the “high” level of staff vacancies at the Foundation Trust was already causing concern and it was difficult to see the organisation providing the same level of service in the future. He added that doctors were being hit hardest by the mental health trust’s plans and has called on members of the public to make their views known by the end of the 90 day consultation.

People are being urged to comment on the proposals by emailing the trust at: feedback@nsft.nhs.uk by 21 January. For more information, visit www.nwmhft.nhs.uk

Sophie Bales, a clinical negligence solicitor at Ashtons Legal, adds: “The NHS is currently under a lot of financial pressure and some cuts/financial measures will be necessary to ensure its survival. However, I would criticise any measure which could put those most vulnerable at risk. Mental health issues in general are very complex and there can be devastating consequences if patients do not receive proper treatment and care. Mental Health Services are generally under resourced and further cuts will put these vulnerable patients at risk. It is important that members of the public take this opportunity to voice their opinions on this issue before any cuts are implemented”.