Kentmere Mental Health Unit: Views on possible changes
Download (PDF 643.88 KB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Cumbria(HWC)was asked to independently assist Cumbria Partnership NHS CPFT in gathering community views on the proposed closure of the Kentmere mental health unit in Kendal.
A survey was carried out and a drop in session was hosted. In total 319 people answered the survey euther on surveymonkey (on line) or at the drop in session.
Summary of report findings were as follows:
80% of people who responded were from South Lakeland.
Respondents of the survey do not want the Kentmere unit to close. 94% replied ‘No’ the question on whether they thought Kentmere should close.
87% of respondents were either somewhat or very satisfied with services at Kentmere.
The main reasons against the closure of Kentmere were:
Travel/ distance to alternative mental health services
Lack of alternative service locally
Concerns for peoples mental health if the unit closed andconcerns for their mental health if these individuals have to receive care outside of their local area
The main ideas put forward as alternatives if Kentmere closes were:
Providing an alternate facility locally. Either in another ward or create a new facility.
Keep Kentmere open and make improvements to it.
Improve community and crisis services
Ensure that money is spent on alternate mental health provision
Overall, the main view expressed is that people want Kentmere to remain open.