Colchester MP slams £4 million cut in NHS Mental Health budget

12.00.00am GMT Wed 6th Dec 2006

Bob Russell MP with Doctor

Colchester MP Bob Russell this morning slammed a planned cut of £4 million in the budget of the North Essex Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust which provides mental care services across much of the county.

Last night Mr Russell tabled an urgent Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Health on the matter. His question is published in this morning's House of Commons order paper with a Written Answer due next Monday.

News of the pending £4 million cut was made by the Mental Health Partnership in the wake of a collective proposal by the three Primary Care Trusts covering North-East Essex, Mid Essex and West Essex. All three Primary Care Trusts are facing financial pressures.

Liberal Democrat Mr Russell described the proposed cut as "appalling" - adding: "Mental health is very much a Cinderella part of the National Health Service. Historically there has been under-investment in mental health, so to cutback further is not acceptable."

Mr Russell also criticised the Government for its management of the National Health Service. "Despite record sums being spent on the NHS, the stark reality is that Government policies have led us to the position where we now face a huge cut in the provision of mental health care provision in our area."