The East London mental health trust, the East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT), is expected to face cuts and service changes — sparking fears over frontline care across the capital’s east.
Reports suggest the changes could hit frontline services, with less support for children and young people and for those struggling with addiction — some of the biggest challenges facing local communities.
Assembly Member Unmesh Desai, writing for London Now, said he had raised the concerns with the Mayor, and wants to know what discussions are taking place and what can be done to protect frontline care.
He argued the NHS is under financial pressure, but said savings must not come at the expense of patient care, with demand for mental health support higher than ever.
NHS staff are already working under huge pressure, he added, and their experience must shape how any plans are developed — otherwise the changes could put even more strain on them.
There was some better news for mental health services: the Government has funded 100 new walk-in centres and 59 new mental health emergency departments nationally, several of which are expected in East London.
Busy A&Es are not the right place for someone in mental health crisis, he said, and dedicated departments could provide specialist help earlier — pointing to the community mental health centre the NHS opened in Tower Hamlets last year, with overnight beds for people needing extra support, which residents say has been a lifeline.
That is the direction services should be moving in, he argued — and any changes to the trust must strengthen existing support rather than leave gaps. If services are redesigned, the public and staff need to know how they will be affected.
