Bed shortage fear rejected by chiefs

PATIENT fears over a shortage of psychiatric beds at a Carmarthen mental health ward have been dismissed by bosses.

A small number of people who use the ward claim changes to Cwm Seren ward at the former St David's Hospital will see its 24 acute psychiatric beds cut to just eight under a shake-up. in how beds are allocated to acute patients and those needing rehabilitation.

However, bosses at the Hywel Dda Health Board say the fears are unfounded — but could not confirm exact figures for psychiatric bed reduction when asked by the Journal. Instead they stated that some beds were being allocated to rehabilitation patients.

A statement read that beds were being "modernised into dedicated rehabilitation and recovery beds to better meet local need".

Anthony Jones, who needs to be admitted to the ward from time to time, is also chair of the town branch of the MDF Bi-polar Organisation.

He is worried that people who need to be admitted urgently will simply not be able to have a bed and that community-based support was not strong enough.

He said: "People may be in a desperate situation and in need of a bed straight away. If there are less beds how can they be guaranteed a place?"

Health bosses refuted the concern, stating that community- based services are being strengthened and beds will be available in emergencies.

The add that the majority of patients are pleased with the situation.

Hywel Dda Health Board chief executive Trevor Purt said: "Mental health and learning disability services are being strengthened, with a major £1million investment programme, which will increase bed numbers in the county.

"Services in Carmarthen will incorporate crisis resolution and home treatment, including therapeutic day services, based at Glangwili Hospital, and the in-patient facility at Cwm Seren.

"The services will work together as one team to ensure quick and appropriate access."

"We are entirely confident that any patients requiring a bed will have access to one and a dedicated bed manager has been appointed to oversee admissions and discharges."

Acute patients at Cwm Seren will continue to have full access to communal facilities, including a lounge and garden area.

The confidence has been echoed by chair of Carmarthenshire CHC chief officer John Skipper who has held talks with health bosses over the issues.