Fears for unit

The woman, who works in Bromsgrove for the Mental Health Partnership Trust, believes the Woodrow-based unit is at risk from more than the proposed loss of six beds.

The worker, who wished to remain anonymous, claimed the £1.7 million funding deficit this financial year would be followed by a £1.3 million black hole next year, which could again lead to a loss of beds.

She said Bromsgrove-based Brook Haven had already been earmarked for closure, and claimed while Hill Crest could escape with a loss of six beds, it may only be a temporary stay of execution until next year. Eventually the services could be centralised at Worcester.

"If services are closed in Bromsgrove or in Redditch, patients would be moved away from their families, friends, and homes - that's not right and not fair," she said.

"Although Hill Crest might be let off with a loss of six beds, it might not get off so lightly next year."

Last week, the Advertiser revealed members of Redditch Council had backed a motion stating they would campaign to retain Hill Crest's services.

But a letter sent last month from Ros Keeton, chief executive of the Mental Health Partnership Trust, to the council's borough director Chris Smith defended the proposals.

The letter said: "The financial imperative to achieve a balance financial outturn is undeniably important, but the point is, we would be undertaking this work regardless because it is in the best interest of our service users and their carers."

It said proposals included the creation of an intensive day recovery unit at Hill Crest to replace the traditional day hospital and provide community support to people who would otherwise require admission to hospital.

The unit would work closely with an eight-bedded assessment unit, hoped to be established in Worcester.

The letter added: "This will not require the transfer of any local resources out of the Redditch borough."