| PRESS RELEASE - HEALTH TRUST PREPARES CUTS |
EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE COUNCILLABOUR GROUP HEALTH TRUST PREPARES CUTS Labour Councillors on East Riding of Yorkshire Council are investigating claims that the number of beds for older people with mental health problems in the county could be cut by a third in the next five years. The fears come as the Humber Mental Health Teaching NHS Trust wants to place emphasis on supporting older people in their own homes, as opposed to hospital-based care. Mick Pilling of the Save Bridlington Hospital Campaign brought the matter to the attention of the group. He believes that once such a cut in such vital services is made, it cannot be fully restored to the capacity required, even if support for patients to remain at home is increased. These concerns have been supported by Labour Councillors who, whilst acknowledge the importance of helping people live independent lives, also know the vital nature of locally based health services that adequately cover the community they serve. They strongly believe that if older and vulnerable people have to travel halfway across the county to access services previously located within their home towns, then ultimately the quality of life experienced by residents will suffer. The Labour Group intends to look into this matter further, alongside allegations that essential out of hour's services at Westwood Hospital in Beverley could also be at risk, and raise the matter with appropriate NHS and ERYC officers as a matter of urgency. For further information contact: Cllr Terry Allison, Leader of the Labour Group Cllr Doreen Clark , Labour Group Secretary |