'Grave concerns' over 19% cuts to mental health service (From Bucks Free Press)

'Grave concerns' over 19% cuts to mental health service

9:30am Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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TOP mental health consultants have voiced “grave concerns” over proposed cuts to mental health services in Buckinghamshire.

Service cuts of about £5.3million are being planned by Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health (OBMH) trust, which could represent a 19 per cent reduction in front line staff.

The savings are to be made over the next four years.

In adult mental health services it is proposed the number of consultant psychiatrists will reduce from 19 to 16.

There would also be eight fewer allied health workers, and one less staff grade position, together with cuts in clinical psychologists.

The proposal documents, which have been sent out to staff, acknowledge there will be a “possible reduction in the quality of service with less clinical resource available”, as well as the potential for “patient and carer dissatisfaction with the service”.

Emma Heath, a spokesman for the trust, said: “No clinical staff are at risk of losing their jobs, the savings are being managed through current vacancies within the trust and through the redeployment of staff to unfilled posts in the trust.”

She pointed out the proposals also identify some positive outcomes, such as increased staff time to spend with patients, more integrated services and reduced costs.

A letter sent by six key mental health consultants in Oxfordshire, which has been seen by the Bucks Free Press, has outlined “grave concerns” over the proposals.

It said: “As a 19 per cent reduction in staff and a major reconfiguration of the service are both independently potential sources of risk to patient safety, patient outcomes and untreated morbidity we view these as substantial and controversial changes.

“We therefore think there should be more detailed and considered consultation with all stakeholders, both internal and external before any significant and potentially harmful change to the service takes place.”

Will you be affected by these spending cuts? Email ldunhill@london.newsquest.co.uk