Care in the community? We’ve heard that before

Published: 7 October, 2010

• WHATEVER the coalition government’s intention, cuts to front- line services are shown to be happening. 

If hospitals for the mentally ill are not front-line, I don’t know what is.

I frequently pass St Mary’s, Hampstead, and have mused that it was only a question of time before the authorities would sell it to a developer of posh flats.  

From your report (Two mental health hospitals to be axed? September 30), it seems that the time draws nigh.  

Care in the community? I think we’ve heard that one before. As there are going to be fewer “hands-on” social services staff in the field, patients can either wander around and fall into the canal or be found dead in their rooms (if they get one) after a few weeks, which would save a lot of bother for the heads of relevant departments.

I think health trusts/ authorities and councils are seizing on government cuts to carry out what they have long wanted to do.

They will do anything to protect the bloated salaries and bonuses of the higher echelons, that is, themselves.

As for national government, citizens would feel satisfied if they knew that reduced budgets to departments were scrutinised properly. Bonuses, consultants, new logos, designer furniture, and all the other wasteful fripperies we have heard about, should be forbidden by the cabinet. There is still far too much money being creamed off the top by governments national and local. Let’s hear what the coalition proposes to do about that. 
J Gibson
Chandos Way, NW11