CONCERNS have been raised that mental health cutbacks are hitting services in Harwich, despite assurances from health bosses.

Harwich councillor Geoff Smith has been calling for answers over the level of services available at All Saints House in Dovercourt since 2015.

He says a resident in his ward has been told there are no longer appointments with consultant psychiatrists at the site and instead they have to travel to Colchester.

Mr Smith said: “The resident suffers from recurrent depression and personality disorder.

“He was meant to have an appointment last September but when his carer called to change it and ask if it could be moved from Colchester to All Saints House, she was told it wasn’t possible because it was for a consultant psychiatrist .

“But he used to have appointments at All Saints House with the consultant psychiatrist.

“When you are dealing with people that have mental health problems to get them on public transport is a job in itself.

“These services should be offered down here.

“There are a lot of vulnerable people who shouldn’t have to travel to Colchester or Clacton.

“There are people who find it difficult to get out the front door.”

Mr Smith said the council has been told by mental health bosses that services continue to be run from All Saints House in Main Road, Dovercourt but says it doesn’t add up.

He said: “I still believe they might be saying things but for this family this did not happen.

“I’m wondering if anyone else has this sort of problem as I’d like to hear from them.”

A spokesman for Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, said: “There has been no change in the services that we provide at All Saints House. We would encourage users of our services who may be experiencing any difficulty with their care or treatment to contact our Patients Advice and Liaison Service. Our PALS is confidential and can help resolve any issues you may have with our services.”