21/10/03 - Cabinet responds to mental health and learning disability consultation

Today, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet gave its views on the modernisation of Mental Health and Learning Disability services in North Cumbria.  The proposals are currently out to consultation and the Chief Executive of Eden Primary Care Trust will consider the Council’s views.   

Cumbria PCT and the North Cumbria Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Trust, plans to modernise mental health and learning disability services in Cumbria.  The County Council’s local committees for Carlisle, Eden, Allerdale and Copeland along with the Health and well being scrutiny committee have considered the plans on behalf of the Council and the views from the committees led the discussion for Cabinets deliberations.   The views of all stakeholders will be considered by the PCT when making decisions about the modernisation of these services. 

County Councillor John Mallinson, Cabinet spokesman for Care and Social Services says,   

“The County Council welcomes the commissioning strategy for Mental Health and Learning Disabilities in North Cumbria.  It sets a very positive direction for service improvements and the development of community based services.  The new strategy will enable more people to be treated in their local community.   

We do have some concerns and are looking for assurances that inpatient beds in Eden and West Cumbria are not closed until community services are up and running.  We are fully committed to working in partnership with Health to develop and improve mental health and learning disability services in North Cumbria.”