People in Suffolk have just under two weeks left to have their say over proposals to merge the county’s mental health NHS trust with that of Norfolk.

The suggestion would see one new NHS Foundation Trust replacing the current Suffolk Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

A public consultation asks for people’s views on the proposal and the arrangement of the new Trust’s board of governors, as well as asking whether they have any worries or concerns.

Robert Nesbitt, director of community engagement for the Suffolk trust, said: “So far, more than 200 people have filled out our online form or completed paper copies. We have also held public consultation events in Ipswich and Bury St Edmunds.


“Some people have, understandably, raised concerns that service may not continue to be delivered locally if we became part of a larger Trust, and that they may have to travel to receive their care. This is not part of the plan – we recognise and agree that services should continue to be provided locally, and we do not intend to change this.


“We hope, as a larger Trust, we may be better placed to develop new services and that there would be opportunities for staff development arising as a part of this.


“People have asked about the financial aspects of the merger. Yes, we would be saving money as a result of a merger and this would come from the running costs. For example, we would need just one board rather than two. Local services would, however, continue to be managed and delivered locally.”

The consultation ends on October 31, 2010. More details and the link to the online form are on the Trust’s website at www.smhp.nhs.uk or call 01473 329148 to ask for a paper copy.