PENDING CUTS TO LOCAL NHS SERVICES!

Springboard is a local NHS service providing employment and training for people recovering from mental health problems and people with learning disabilities.

Based at Tolworth Hospital, Springboard’s users do gardening, cycle repair, printing, carpentry and other activities – earning some income, but above all, providing therapy and support for many vulnerable adults, of various ages. Plus respite care for their families. It’s a valued service.

Yet as part of the Government’s NHS cuts, it is set to close. No final decision has been taken, but Kingston PCT has already decided to cut around £1 million from the grant for South West London and St. George’s Mental Health Trust – who run local mental health services, including Springboard. Their only question is, what local mental health services now close.

What would happen to the users who depend on Springboard?

It is too early to be sure – but it seems a complete cut is being considered.

By “complete” cut, what do I mean? Well, some “cuts” are actually uncomfortable changes - they leave the original service largely still there. Such unwelcome changes may involve moving people to another building, or providing an equivalent or similar service differently – yet the existing users still get support and help.

In Springboard’s case, however, I fear the NHS is considering a complete cut. No alternative provision at all – unless you count extra anti-depressants and a higher drugs bill for the NHS.

If this happens, it would be the most savage service cut for local vulnerable people for many years. I hope everyone will join me in opposing these cuts to our local NHS.