MEMBERS of Redditch Council are set to join another campaign to fight cost-cutting plans for health services in the town - this time to defend mental health services.

Councillors recently discussed proposals to redesign Acute and Day Hospital Mental Health Services to plug a £1.7 million funding black hole as part of the trust's financial recovery plan. The plans could lead to the loss of eight acute beds at the Woodrow-based Hill Crest Unit and Day Hospital facilities. The trust would instead concentrate resources on home treatment and crisis reduction.

But councillors united against the plans, agreeing the transfer of these services out of the borough would disadvantage one of the most vulnerable groups of people in the Redditch community.

Members fully backed a motion stating they would campaign to retain Hill Crest's acute services and day hospital mental health services and a statement from the council said it regarded the Hill Crest Unit as integral to the provision of local mental health services in Redditch.

It added: "The council acknowledges the need for Acute and Day Hospital Mental Health Services to remain local and will place itself at the forefront of a campaign to protect this hospital, in conjunction with the ongoing 'Save the Alex' campaign."

The campaign claimed a step towards victory last month, when Worcester-shire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust board members voted unanimously against plans to transfer emergency surgery and trauma care out of the town.

Health portfolio holder, Councillor Pattie Hill said: "18,319 Redditch people took part in our Alexandra Hospital ballot.

"It is important that we protect mental health - and other health services - where we can."