Fight to save mental health facility under threat two years after it was saved

Norfolk Lodge is under threat again as the South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust (SWLSTG) looks to modernise and transform mental health ‘step down’ services in the borough.

An independent mental health support group is fighting the plans which it says would leave a huge gap in help for people with illnesses including Schizophrenia and severe depression.

Norfolk Lodge, in Norfolk Road, Colliers Wood, cares for patients with long term mental illnesses and who require further support following admission to St Georges Mental Health Trust.

Laura Johnson, of Merton and Sutton Rethink Mental Illness, said it was concerned any new facility would not be ready by the proposed September closing date, and if a new location had to be found for the service, it must be in Merton.

She said: "I would be really, really surprised if it was done by September.

"It's the time scale, the prices of property, there's nimbyism - you always get people objecting, and where is this provision going to be?"

She said the news of the closure came as a shock. Merton CCG has asked SWLSTG to look at ways the service can be completely transformed and provided from improved premises in Merton so that local people get the best possible care in the best possible environment.

The review is a result of the Mental Health Needs Assessment undertaken by Public Health Merton last year, a spokeswoman said.

Mrs Johnson said the group, which is independent, were particularly worried because she said Merton has poor provision for housing those who are mentally ill.

She said vulnerable people are being housed in Croydon and Surbiton instead of Merton because of a lack of facilities.

"Norfolk Lodge is a place they can get better.

"Well enough to go back home or to a supportive house - it is an essential step," she said.

She said without the lodge, which has 11 beds, there would be a gaping hole in the recovery process for people with severe mental illnesses.

Mark Clenaghan, SWLSTG head of operations, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for us to work with local commissioners and stakeholders to design a service that not only meets the needs of the population but also ensures we are delivering best practice outcomes and excellent value for money."

He said Norfolk Lodge has provided a good service but is now dated and not up to modern mental health care standards.

The facility could close on September 7 as the lease runs out on the property.

The group found out about plans at the Acute Care Forum, a monthly meeting held in Springfield Hospital and is due to have a meeting with officials to discuss the plans.