Worthing Mental Health Services at Risk Amid Sussex Trust Cuts

Proposed changes to mental health services in Worthing could see job cuts and the closure of a rehabilitation home, sparking concern among local families. The Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is consulting on plans to merge teams and repurpose facilities.

The trust’s proposal includes repurposing Shepherd House Community Hospital in Worthing as supported housing and merging rehabilitation teams into a single service across Sussex. Joanna Osborne, whose son relies on these services, voiced concerns about the potential loss of critical support for individuals with complex mental health needs. She fears the changes could lead to increased hospitalisations and reduced access to care for those without family advocates.

The Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust stated that the changes aim to ensure consistent, safe, and quality care within available resources. However, staff and patients have raised concerns about job losses, redeployment uncertainties, and the impact of fewer nursing staff on patient care. The consultation outcomes are expected by Christmas, with changes potentially starting in early 2025.