Help us find a long-term solution for the inpatient mental health services previously provided at the George Bryan Centre

A public consultation into the future provision of inpatient mental health services for adults in south east Staffordshire launches this week (9 February).

The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) have been working with patients and staff to redesign local mental health services.

This includes a proposal for the inpatient (hospital) services that used to be provided at the George Bryan Centre in Tamworth, which had to close in 2019 following a fire. Temporary changes to services were made and most patients who needed a hospital stay have been admitted to St George’s Hospital in Stafford.

Wherever possible, patients are already and will continue to be treated at home, supported by the enhanced community mental health services that have been put in place. There are distinct enhanced services for adults of any age with a severe mental illness and for the population with dementia.

The six-week consultation asks people and organisations to give their views on making these changes permanent.

Dr Paul Edmondson-Jones, the Chief Medical Officer for the Integrated Care Board, said: “I can assure you that no final decisions have been made.

“Through this consultation, we will look to speak to as many people as possible to hear their views and any concerns they may have. So, I urge patients, carers, residents and staff to take part and encourage families and friends to do so too.”

We will be talking to people in a number of ways through online events and drop-in sessions across the area. We have also worked hard to make sure our consultation survey is as accessible as possible – with information available in audio, alternative languages and accessible formats.

Find out how you can get involved on the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB website.