Mental health services are so important. I know from speaking with you just how valued the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT) is.
That's why I'm so concerned that it's expected to undergo cuts and service changes.
I know the NHS is under financial pressure. But savings cannot come at the expense of patient care. The demand for mental health support is higher than ever, and people shouldn't find it harder to get the help they need.
Reports suggest these changes could affect frontline services across East London. That means less support for children and young people and those suffering from addiction. These are some of the biggest challenges facing our communities.
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I want reassurance that patients will continue to get the support they need. That's why I have raised these concerns with the Mayor. I want to know what discussions are taking place and what can be done to protect frontline care. If services are being redesigned, the public and staff need to know how they will be affected.
NHS staff working in care are already working under huge pressure. Their experience matters. They need a say in how these plans are developed. Otherwise, these changes could put even more strain on them.
But there is some good news for mental health services in East London.
Across the country, the Government have provided 100 new walk-in centres and 59 new mental health emergency departments. Several are expected to be here in East London and could make a real difference.
I've heard too many stories of people suffering a mental health crisis getting caught up in a busy A&E. These departments are not the right place for someone who needs urgent mental health support. That's why dedicated mental health services could make a huge difference. They can provide people with specialist help earlier.
We are already seeing the benefits in East London. The NHS launched a community mental health centre in Tower Hamlets last year, with overnight beds for people who need extra support. I have heard from many of you just how helpful it has been for people who might otherwise struggle to get the help they need.
This is the direction we should be moving in.
That's why the news about the Trust is worrying. We need to make sure changes strengthen the support already available, rather than leaving gaps. East London deserves better.
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