Responding to health service reforms

In the ten years since I created The Hope Street Centre I have always been keen to network with colleagues in mental health services of all kinds—public sector, independent and voluntary. In that time reorganisation has been happening almost non-stop as roles, responsibilities, targets, funding and geographical boundaries have all changed over and over again.

I am sure that many of my colleagues would prefer a period of stability rather than yet more change, but that seems unlikely to happen. The new coalition government is intent on driving through change at high speed, and with Britain’s debt now estimated at £4 trillion or £200,000 for every taxpayer* they have very little choice.

A major component of the new strategy is involving local groups and service providers in delivering services. This is not a new idea, and I have seen it happening in East Cheshire for several years. Some examples of the way this centre has been involved are listed below.

• Working with NHS psychological therapy services to reduce waiting list backlogs by providing time-limited therapy services.
• Working alongside local solicitors, local authority and other professionals to support families in child protection cases, often enabling at-risk families to remain together.
• Providing quick-response interventions for organisations with employees suffering from stress, trauma or personal difficulties.

There are also good examples of local groups delivering services in the North West, such as Advocacy in Wirral.

I and my colleagues are ready to play our part in whatever changes occur. We believe that existing core services should be maintained and it is not our aim to compete for providing these. Instead we offer specialist capabilities, the ability to respond quickly and to take on clients with more complex psychological problems that have not been resolved by previous interventions.

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley’s proposals for reform of the NHS are open for consultation. The Government’s White Paper, “Equity and excellence: liberating the NHS” sets out proposals for putting local consortia of GP practices in charge of commissioning services to best meet the needs of local people.

The White Paper emphasises partnership working, involvement of the public, local networks and community groups in decision making and the design of services.

Maurice Tomkinson