The Partnership Trust Board met on September 20th and reaffirmed their decision of August 31st, that their preferred option is to close the inpatient services for older people at Weavers Croft in Stroud, Colliers Court in Cinderford and Holly House in Gloucester and transfer inpatient services to Charlton Lane in Cheltenham. We understand that this decision was subject to further enquiries with the commissioners.
This decision of the Partnership Trust is to be conveyed to the Gloucestershire County Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee who have already strongly stated their opposition to this particular proposal relating to older peoples inpatient mental health services. They have clearly stated that they wish to see these three hospitals continue to provide inpatient services.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee will consider the decision at their meeting on Tuesday October 10th at 9-30p.m. in the Council Chamber, Shirehall, Gloucester. We understand that this is a meeting open to the public.
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee have been very thorough and concerned about the mental health proposals. They have the option to accept the latest decision of the Partnership Trust or refer it to the Secretary of State for her consideration and decision. A referral would clearly allow a further considered and necessary analysis of the proposed changes.
We await further developments and the O S C members decision, whilst being even more convinced that these inpatient services for older people with a mental illness should be located in the present local communities and not centralised at Cheltenham.