Barnet Health Authority puts forward new option for psychiatric unit

BHA in building row

Barnet Health Authority has introduced a further option for the future use of Barnet Psychiatric Unit ,, much to the dismay of health watchdogs.

Despite a three-year consultation over whether to rebuild, renovate or relocate the Barnet Hospital-based unit (BPU), the authority now wants to consider using it for a wider range of functions. These would include intermediate care, rehabilitation, mental health services and staff accommodation.

At a meeting of Barnet Community Health Council (BCHC) on Tuesday, members urged their chairman to instruct the authority to get on with rebuilding the unit.

The CHC's former chairwoman Elizabeth Manero said: 'It is getting quite boring discussing this issue time and time again.'

And co-opted member Rosemary Decker-Thomas said: 'My heart sinks at the whole thing. It is pathetic.'

Patients were moved to Edgware Community Hospital last year in preparation for building work ,, which was stalled because of a financial deficit in Barnet Healthcare Trust, which runs mental health services in the borough. A public consultation in 1997 found most people in favour of rebuilding the unit.

But Barnet Health Authority's chairman Antony Jacobson said: 'Prior to the consultation an agreement had been reached that additional options for its use could be introduced until July 24. The additional option illustrates a number of potential uses, particularly for the provision of intermediate care, and gives the opportunity for development of the site, possibly in partnership with the private sector.'