Two Medway MPs have called for an urgent meeting to retain the “vital local community service” at Therapeutic House.
Kelly Tolhurst MP and Rehman Chishti MP have written to Medway Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) asking to hold further discussions about their planned closure of the mental health services.
Therapeutic House in Park Avenue, Gillingham, has been providing intensive treatment for those with Personality Disorders.
It has been described as “ground breaking in its approach” by Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT). Medway CCG has taken the decision not to continue funding the service, and it is due to close its doors by the end of the year.
In a letter to Dr Peter Green, the Chief Clinical Officer of Medway CCG, the two MPs call upon them to work with KMPT to find a solution. In the letter, they say “our constituents have raised concerns about the closure of the service and the implications it will have for their care.”
MP for Rochester and Strood, Kelly Tolhurst, along with Rehman Chishti, has raised the proposed closure with the Royal College of Psychiatrists, which works to improve the lives of people with mental health problems. The Royal College has highlighted a recent report by the Commission on Acute Adult Psychiatric Care, which shows a national shortage of Personality Disorder services, resulting in many patients being treated in acute wards.
Member of Parliament for Rochester and Strood, Kelly Tolhurst said:
“Many of my constituents have raised this closure with me. They are devastated that such a decision has been made, when there is a clear local demand for this service.”
Member of Parliament for Gillingham and Rainham, Rehman Chishti MP said:
“Therapeutic House has provided an innovative service in Medway, helping to rebuild peoples’ lives. I would like the CCG and KMPT to sit down again and reconsider this decision to close such a vital community service.”