MP outraged by cuts to Local NHS services

14.08.07

Springboard closure hits the most vulnerable

Local MP Edward Davey was outraged that Kingston PCT confirmed the closure of Springboard, which Edward had feared would close, whilst announcing further cuts to local mental health services by cutting funding to A&E liaison service at Kingston Hospital.

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 providing respite care for their families. Yet, with no alternative provision of care for service users being guaranteed by Kingston PCT it is feared that these services will be lost. Adding further pressure on local mental healthcare provision is the scaling down of A&E liaison service, which identifies patients with mental health problems.  In many cases, A&E liaison service is the first point of help for people suffering with a mental health problems. 

Edward Davey MP commenting on the closure said, 

“The NHS under labour has become an accounting firm that no longer cares about  the patients, just balancing the books!

“I am gravely concerned about how the closure of Springboard and cuts to funding of A&E liaison service will affect service users and may lead to many feeling isolated in the community.

The PCT is providing no alternative provision of help to patients at all – unless you count extra anti-depressants, which will only lead to a higher NHS bill.   

“There seems to have been little thought by the PCT into how the local voluntary sector will absorb these changes.  Will they have the resources or the qualifications or be able to take on the legal liabilities involved?"

“Some service users of Springboard have already told me how disappointed they are.  I will continue to meet with service users, carers and voluntary groups to see how we can best cope with these cuts.  ”