A chara, – The psychiatric services has been referred to as the "Cinderella" service within the health service due to the funding and attention it receives compared to other sectors. Plans to close the psychiatric unit in Navan would seem to confirm this. It contradicts previously stated aspirations and Vision for Change, the report of the expert group on mental health policy, which states that "each citizen should have access to local, specialised and comprehensive mental health service provision". Those of us who work to reduce the stigma of mental illness will find it more difficult to explain to our patients that the service is no longer provided locally and that they will have to travel east to a special unit for treatment rather than their local hospital. I find no medical benefit in this move and believe it will lead to a reduction in an often overlooked part of someone's recovery – visits from family and friends. Most people with mental illness can be managed in the community, the majority by their family doctors. Those who need inpatient treatment find value in having it locally.There has been no consultation with local family doctors on the matter. The Department of Health is planning to extend GP care to under-sixes. The money would be better spent maintaining the services we have and are losing rather than on expanding the health service. These are vulnerable patients who should not be targeted for cost savings in this manner. – Is mise,
Dr SÉAMUS McMENAMIN,
Navan, Co Meath.