PEOPLE across East Sussex are being asked for their views on proposals to change local mental health services so that more people are able to stay at home, rather than needing to go into hospital for care and treatment.
People who use mental health services say that they want to receive more treatment and care at home, and in the community if possible, rather than in hospital beds.
Clinicians such as doctors, nurses and other health professionals also believe tha
t providing more and better mental health services outside of hospital helps people to recover quicker and stay healthier.
Community mental health services have benefited from significant investment in recent years and are continuing to develop.
The NHS in East Sussex wants feedback from people on the various options for the future for how many inpatient beds there could be in the county and where they could be located.
Over the next 12 to 18 months it is proposed that the number of beds in East Sussex is reduced from 122 to between 92 and 98 – removing between 24 and 30 beds.
Over the next three to five years, the number of inpatient mental health beds could be reduced further, to around to 80, with those beds provided in new state-of-the art facilities.
Each of the options for the future would, if agreed, be implemented in a phased programme.
Mike Wood, chief executive of NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother, said, "We want to hear the views of as many people as possible to help us make sure we make the best decision about where services are provided in the future."
The public consultation is running until June 1.
There are a number of ways in which people can get involved, including public meetings and via the websites.
A report identifying the themes and issues raised will be presented to the boards of the East Sussex Primary Care Trusts, NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother, as well as Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust which provide a wide range of mental health services across Sussex.
The final decision will be made in public by the boards of the East Sussex primary care trusts once they have had time to consider the consultation feedback and responses.
A public meeting will be held on March 30 from 2-4pm in the Hardwick Suite, International Lawn Tennis Centre, Devonshire Park, College Rd.
The consultation document can be read at www.esdw.nhs.uk/getting-involved/consultations
