Have your say in changes to mental health services

A public meeting has been organised to seek the views of people in Blackburn with Darwen on changes to mental health services across the borough.

Proposals to reorganise inpatient mental health services in Blackburn with Darwen are being reviewed in light of the government’s new rules on service change in the NHS.

The proposed changes – which are the result of an extensive public consultation in 2006 – will be reviewed with support from clinicians, service users and other key stakeholders.

The proposals include reducing the number of inpatient facilities to establish a smaller number of new purpose-built inpatient sites based on the evidence that too many people are going into hospital and staying there simply because there are not enough suitable alternatives.

The review, which will run from October 2010 to February 2011, will include engagement with a broad range of stakeholders including service users and carers, staff, the public and partner organisations.   

A series of public meetings have been arranged to take place across Lancashire to give more information, and people are welcome to come along and take this opportunity to contribute their views.

Members of the public are welcome to attend any of the meetings. The Blackburn meeting is being held on Thursday 28th October 2010 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Blackburn Central Library, in the Hornby Lecture Theatre Town Hall Street, Blackburn BB2 1AG

The public meetings are open and there is no need to book a place, however if you have any queries or require any further information, please contact Pat Rolph at the Partnership Team on 01254 282229.

More information about the review and the 2006 consultation is available on the Lancashire Mental Health website:www.lancashirementalhealth.co.uk, or via the email address: lancashirementalhealth@bwd.nhs.uk. Further information can be found in the mental health services section.

Public meetings