MP vows to keep beds in town
MACCLESFIELD MP David Rutley has told how he has heard from a number of families appealing for his help over changes to mental health services.
Under new plans NHS bosses have proposed moving either adult mental health or dementia inpatient care from Millbrook Unit to a unit more than 40 miles away.
But families of patients who use the facility say they will not be able to support their loved ones if they are being cared for in Chester, the proposed location of the replacement unit.
Mr Rutley met with Dr and Mrs Harris, whose son relies on the support of Millbrook, who told him about the negative impact they feel moving inpatient care to Chester will have.
He said: “I was concerned to learn of Mrs Harris’ son’s experiences, which highlight the serious implications for often vulnerable adult mental health patients, and their families and carers, of the proposed removal of inpatient beds from Macclesfield to Chester.
“Since these proposals were announced, I have heard similar concerns raised by other residents who also have direct experience of how vital local mental health services make a real difference when available close to home.
“I shall continue to work with East Cheshire Mental Health Forum, our local mental health patient and user advocacy group, as well as local MPs Fiona Bruce and Esther McVey, to keep adult mental health beds in Macclesfield.”
Mr Rutley has suggested that rather than move acute inpatient mental health care to Cheshire and close the Millbrook Unit, a new ward could be built on existing land, owned by Cheshire and Wirral Partnerships (CWP), which is in charge of mental health in the town. He said money being spent - around £1m - to modify Bowmere Hospital in Chester, could be better spent in Macclesfield.