Detox centre Call for direct funding to save NHS unit

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Bristol's only alcohol and drug detox centre on the NHS have come up with solutions which they say could keep it open, but they fear health trust and council bosses have already made up their minds that it should close.

- Tristan CORK

The Save The Acer Unit campaign, which is being run by both staff who work there and by people whose lives have been turned around by a stay in the unit, said they fear the leadership at the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership (AWP) have decided to close it already, and a consultation period and delay in the closure are just 'box-ticking exercises' ahead of the final decision.

That is something AWP denies, saying it highly values the unit, but is struggling to fund it in the future.

Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for the unit, which is run by AWP and is based in the grounds of Southmead Hospital in Bristol, and local MPs have become involved in the campaign too.

The Post broke the news that the unit was to be closed back in January, after AWP said Bristol City Council had not renewed a block-booking which guaranteed half the beds would be paid for.