Mental health service provision to change

Mental health services in Herefordshire look set to come under the auspices of Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust as of next spring.

Mental health services in Herefordshire look set to come under the auspices of Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust as of next spring.

These services have been provided across Gloucestershire and Herefordshire by 2gether NHS Trust over the last eight years.

But a recent letter Paul Roberts, chief executive of the newly merged Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, suggests a new arrangement is in the offing.

He has written to Herefordhsire Clinical Commissioning Group accountable officer Simon Trickett to recommend a new arrangement as of April 1, 2020.

Mr Roberts suggests that mental health and learning disability services should be moved to Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust.

He argues they should not be placed with the Wye Valley NHS Trust as they do not have the capacity nor expertise to support the professional or service needs of staff, services and cares.

He also asks for the move to be implemented by April 2020 to provide staff with certainty .

“In reviewing the options, we have had open discussions with WHCT and out staff and believe that our staff will work with this option although, as you would expect, they are disappointed that we do not believe we can continue to lead them.”

Mr Roberts said he believed a move could be achievable by next April but that they would provide leadership and support if needed.

“In agreeing to the transition, we would want to work closely with WHCT and yourselves from the outset to ensure that the transition plan is clear and has definite milestones, so that we do not become ‘stranded’ in the transitional arrangements.”