Patients could suffer

South Worcestershire's health chiefs announced in June they were to stop counsellors being able to provide a service at all doctors surgeries in a bid to cut costs - the decision came into force today.

Now a city GP, who has been a counsellor for over 10 years, says the lack of an "in-house" service could lead to more people being prescribed anti-depressants when they may merely need some counselling.

He said counselling - for problems such as bereavement, depression, or eating disorders - has become established as a valued service by doctors and patients at many GP surgeries in the Worcester and Wychavon areas.

But The South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust insists that counselling will still be available at some GP surgeries although declined to comment how many.

It said patients will now be referred by GPs to counsellors at other NHS premises in South Worcestershire.

It confirmed that the county's existing counsellors have had their contacts cancelled, but said that these staff could reapply to work for the SWPCT under its new counselling service.

But again, it would not comment on how many counsellors there used to be under the old system, or how many would replace them.

It says the change will see patients still receive free counselling.

But the Worcester counsellor, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "Many patients find it easier to be counselled in their GP surgery, which for them has familiar surroundings

"More and more people these days would prefer not to be given medication and, instead, are prepared to try to understand the underlying causes of their difficulties, thereby becoming stronger and more in control of their lives."

He claims the new service provided by the PCT will not cope with the number of patients being referred for counselling and therefore county residents will face bills of up to £40 for each private counselling session.