'No decision taken' on future of mental health help for cancer patients

NHS HITS BACK AT UNION CLAIMS THAT SERVICE IS FACING THE AXE

- By GEORGE PALMER-SOADY

A UNION says a service that supports more than 500 cancer patients in the East Midlands could close, but the NHS says no decision has been taken on its future.

The East Midlands Cancer Alliance Centre for Psychosocial Health has been earmarked for closure in September, according to Unite the Union. It provides services including therapy and mental health support.

The integrated care boards (ICB) for all counties in the East Midlands have said "no decision" has been taken on the service's closure.

A spokesman said: "No decision has been taken to close the East Midlands Centre for Psychosocial Health. It is misleading and unhelpful to patients to suggest otherwise, who should continue to visit the service for support as they ordinarily would."

This comes despite Unite and the Keep Our NHS Public campaign group both claiming they are aware of plans to cut funding for the service.