HEALTH bosses will be quizzed next week over the impending transfer of 400 staff involved in south Cumbria’s mental health services.

From October 1, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust is taking charge of the mental health and learning disability services for south Cumbria.

Health chiefs have pledged they ‘will still be delivered in south Cumbria by the same people’ and that only the trust management is changing.

Current providers, the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust will hand with the goal of providing a ‘renewed focus’ to improve services for south Cumbria.

The switch is also taking place to pave the way for the major job of integrating physical, mental and social care services across the bay.

The issue goes before Cumbria’s health scrutiny committee at a meeting on Thursday, July 18 and committee member Mark Wilson said he remained to be convinced.

Cllr Wilson, the Labour councillor for Ulverston East, said he would be seeking ‘concrete answers’ over how the changes improve services for residents.

Cllr Wilson said: “My take on this is that we have got to be wary and we have got to be prepared to challenge it. More and more, it is becoming a bit like Holby City in the health service where the bring a new director in and think everything will magically improve.

“I need to get the assurances that it will be better for the public. This issue is a mess all over the country and I would like to see health services get back on an upward trajectory.”

Lancashire health bosses have been holding talks about the switch with staff, patients and members of the public, including user-groups such as the South Cumbria Learning Disabilities service.

Jo Moore, executive director of partnerships and strategy with Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, has prepared a paper for the 13-member council committee.

Ms Moore’s report says there are a number of ‘challenges that will need to be addressed’ including estate, staffing and IT systems issues.

However, those involved are committed to deliver ‘the highest quality care’ and her report said there ‘are no significant patient safety concerns as a result of the transfer’.

It will see adult mental health services – community and in-patients at Kendal and Barrow change provider.

It also includes older adults mental health services – community and in-patients at a dementia ward in Barrow.

The change also includes the under pressure child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and learning disabilities services.