Last updated 12:22, Saturday, 05 July 2008

A THREAT to close an Ulverston mental health unit for people with dementia has sparked outrage among residents and carers.

Gill Rise, in Stanley Street, faces being closed in favour of a new 15-bed facility at Furness General Hospital’s Dane Garth.

But the proposal was slammed at a public consultation meeting in the town by residents who claim it is the wrong move.

They say investment should be poured into making the £2m purpose-built facility better – rather than spending “millions” more on a replacement facility at FGH.

Speaking at the meeting, Alan Heath, treasurer of the Furness Alzheimer’s Society, said the public was hugely sceptical about the proposals.

“It seems to be centralisation for centralisation’s sake. There seems to be no benefit for anyone.

“Money should be put into Gill Rise, which was opened with a fanfare as being state of the art, to improve the service it offers rather than spending it on a new ward with fewer beds at the hospital.”

Mr Heath added: “Who makes these decisions?”

Health bosses from Cumbria Primary Care Trust confirmed Gill Rise, which opened in 2003, would remain a health facility serving South Cumbria.

Discussions over the best use of the building would commence if the proposed move goes ahead.

Vernon Watson, associate director of the PCT, said: “The process of getting buildings constructed on the NHS used to take a long time.

“Gill Rise wouldn’t be the first building that was being opened as professionals said ‘this is no longer a good idea’.”

Dr Chris Halliwell, psychiatrist and Cumbria PCT medical director, added: “Caring for dementia patients who need assessment will be better and safer at the hospital.

“It’s also difficult to maintain a very high level of quality for 20 people in one unit such as Gill Rise. We could provide that, however, with the appropriate support and back-up available at the hospital, particularly out of hours.”

The plan is just one of a number of changes proposed to mental health inpatient services in Cumbria.

They are outlined in a new document published by Cumbria Primary Care Trust.

Other changes include merging two wards at Furness General Hospital for patients with mental illness, such as schizophrenia, with the loss of eight beds.

A ward for patients recovering from mental illness could also close with rehabilitation services instead purchased from voluntary sector organisations.