Mental Health Consultation is "just for show" - Howarth

11.23.56am GMT Tue 15th Nov 2005

David Howarth, MP for Cambridge, today expressed his outrage at the news that young people in Cambridge were being denied referrals to the Young People's Psychiatric Service, before the end of the consultation.

Commenting on this move by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mental Health NHS Trust, Mr. Howarth said:

"This development makes me wonder whether the consultation is real or just for show. What is the point in people taking part in a consultation exercise if the results have already been decided?"

The Young People's Psychiatric Service is at risk of being cut for 20-25 year olds as part of the drastic cuts to the mental health budget in Cambridgeshire.

Mr. Howarth has already met with Patricia Hewitt, the Secretary of State for Health, to discuss these cuts, which could also result in the closure of 2 wards at Fulbourn Hospital.

Speaking about the proposed cuts, Mr. Howarth said:

"The Young People's Psychiatric Service provides vital support for young people who have had psychological problems, enabling them to live successful and independent lives. Withdrawing this service could lead to lifelong problems for some of these young people. I will continue to campaign to prevent the loss of this service to the people of Cambridgeshire"