Local MP, David Rutley, is calling on local mental health service providers Cheshire & Wirral Partnership NHS Trust (CWP) and Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (ECCCG) to hold an open round table meeting with local mental health charities and service users on the proposed move of acute adult mental health beds from Macclesfield to Chester.
As part of the ongoing review of mental health services in Cheshire East, which would see all remaining acute adult inpatient beds move from Macclesfield to Chester and the Wirral, CWP and ECCCG are holding a number of public consultation sessions across the Borough, with the aim of enabling local residents to learn about the proposed changes. Two of these meetings will be in Macclesfield, the first of which took place at the Town Hall on Wednesday 21st March.
However, David has called for a further, roundtable meeting, which he would chair as the local MP, following concerns being raised with him about the first public meeting. After that meeting, several attendees contacted him to express how disappointed they were that the meeting was closely scripted, with limited opportunities for those present to ask questions, and the lack of engagement with attendees from senior health service representatives leading the session.
David’s aim for the further meeting is to provide a vital opportunity for the many questions from concerned residents and important local charities and campaign groups such as East Cheshire Mental Health Forum, to be answered in an open forum. The local MP actively supports the work of the Forum and local residents can sign the Forum’s petition against the removal of acute adult inpatient beds here: www.change.org/p/dr-paul-bowen-chair-east-cheshire-ccg-address-the-seri…. They can also contribute to the ongoing public consultation here: www.easterncheshireccg.nhs.uk/Your-Views/ccg-consultations.htm
David said, "Prior to the launch of the consultation this month, I was told that it would be possible to set up additional meetings with CWP and ECCCG, beyond those that they have arranged. Given the concerns raised with me about the first meeting in Macclesfield Town Hall, I think it's important that there is a more open meeting with users of mental health services and local mental health charities, where they can seek answers to their questions and concerns. I have written to CWP and ECCCG requesting this meeting and trust that it can be arranged as a priority in the weeks ahead.”