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Leeds: Row over delays to shake-up in dementia care
A dispute has broken out between mental health bosses and NHS heads in Leeds over delays to a shake-up of services for older people.
Earlier this year mental health managers unveiled their plans to reduce the number of dementia beds and treat more people in their own homes.
A three-month consultation with the public needs to take place before the changes can go ahead.
But mental health services provider Leeds Partnerships NHS Foundation Trust (LPFT) has to get approval for that from NHS Leeds, the body which funds healthcare.
LPFT directors have been waiting for so long they have now decided to enter a formal disputes resolution procedure with NHS Leeds to speed things up.
Non-executive director Merlin Wilce told a meeting of directors: "This delay is causing enormous problems within the organisation.
"I am extremely disappointed we cannot move forward because of this impasse which is not our responsibility.
"It's solely, as far as I can see, the responsibility of NHS Leeds."
Under the plans, the number of dementia in-patient beds would fall from around 80 to 60.
Dementia beds would be centralised and buildings vacated by the moves would be used for other services.
Chief executive Chris Butler, pictured, said he shared the disappointment and added that the reorganisation was not about closing beds, but using resources in a different way.
Through a vote, directors agreed to start the disputes process with NHS Leeds.
Medical director Dr David Newby added: "I think it is outrageous that we have had to resort to a formal disputes procedure to get this resolved."
Mental health directors also agreed to write to Coun Mark Dobson, chairman of Leeds City Council's Health Scrutiny Board, about the issue.
After the meeting, Coun Dobson (Lab, Garforth and Swillington), said he had spoken to Mr Butler and understood the difficulties.
He added: "If the trust wanted to formalise that into a request for scrutiny, I would be happy to put that to the board with a view to progressing it in the new year."
However NHS Leeds say they have yet to be formally notified of the dispute.
Philomena Corrigan, executive director of strategy and commissioning, said: "NHS Leeds is fully committed to supporting the delivery of older people's mental health services in Leeds and a consultation process to develop a new strategy and service model is currently ongoing.
"I can also confirm that NHS Leeds has not received a formal Dispute Resolution Notice from LPFT and we continue to have constructive conversations with their Executive Team."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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