Fears voiced on therapy cuts

From the Banbury Cake, first published Tuesday 2nd Jan 2007.

HEALTH union leaders have expressed fears about proposals to reorganise psychology services across Oxfordshire - including a 13 per cent cut in therapy services.

The proposed changes will mean a reduction in clinical services, a downgrading of senior staff and reduced access to therapy for patients, says the Amicus union.

The proposals are promoted as improving access to therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which has been praised by Lord Layard.

However, Amicus says patients in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire will have reduced access to the mental health system and their problems will have to be extremely severe to warrant help.

Amicus is also concerned that Oxford's reputation as a centre for excellence is under threat.

Consultant and senior posts are being reduced by half, according to the union, so that less qualified staff will be expected to do more complex work.

Terry Edwards, regional officer for Amicus, the union representing affected health workers, said: "We are seeing another example of cuts to clinical services, following a national failure to finance pay reforms.

"It's clear that these changes are being driven by financial pressures rather than patient needs and when the NHS is forced into service cuts and devaluing professionals in this way, something has gone very wrong.

"People with mental health problems are a vulnerable group who may find it difficult to speak out because of the stigma, which means it could be hard for them to object to what is happening locally. Ultimately, it is patients who will suffer if these changes are pushed through.

"This is the latest in a string of cuts, reinforcing the view that mental health is a Cinderella service. Some feel that the clock is now striking midnight."

Mr Edwards added that there had been no public consultation about the changes, and there are fears about what will happen to patients who are no longer eligible for help.

There would be an increased burden on GPs, primary care staff and the voluntary sector, Mr Edwards added.

Sarah Hills, a spokesman for Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, which is based in Littlemore, Oxford, said: "We are in active and regular discussion with the staff affected by the proposed improvements to Psychological Therapy services across both counties.

"These improvements will not result in lesser qualified staff being forced to do more complex work and will, in fact, allow senior clinicians to spend more time on patient contact and less time on management activities.

"We value the views of our staff, service users and carers and welcome their views and comments on all trust services and developments."

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