Have your say on closure plan for ward

HEALTH chiefs are preparing to face questions from the public over controversial plans to shut an older people’s ward at the Brooker Centre in Runcorn.

The session is scheduled to take place at 6.30pm on Tuesday, December 13.

Half an hour will be spent dealing with questions from local residents.

Written notice of attendance must be given by 4pm on the previous working day, Monday, December 12.

Members of the public can ask questions on any matter relating to the agenda.

The 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has launched a consultation over the planned closure of the older peo- ple’s ward at the Runcorn mental health facility.

It has said that the unit is under-occupied with an average of four out of eight beds in use at any time.

Proposals include relocating short inpatient stays for memory problems to ‘centres of excellence’ in Warrington, Wigan or Knowsley.

The Brooker Centre beds would reopen as an adults mental health ward.

Older people with conditions such as depression or schizophrenia would be treated at a ward to open at Atherleigh Park in Leigh in 2017.

Halton Borough Council has reported that beds for assessment and shortterm treatment could be provided at Hollins Park in Warrington and at Atherleigh Park, with overflow redirected to the Rydal Ward at Whiston Hospital.

Angela Ryan, 5 Bor- oughs assistant director, is to give a presentation at the meeting.

A report published prior to the meeting said that the council had identified risks with the plans, including extra travel time and costs for social worker and patient visits.

It added that it expected the changes to ‘ counter some of the financial pressure’ faced by health and social care services.

Authors of the council report have recommended approval for the plans.

Last week the Weekly News published a letter in which the proposals were slammed, with concern expressed over the cost and time needed to reach Leigh by public transport.

The closure consultation deadline is 5pm on Friday, December 30.

To take part in the survey, visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ DR32GMP