A REPRIEVE could be in the offing to save some in-patient beds at a much-needed local mental health unit.

Last week the Advertiser/Messenger exclusively revealed that Brook Haven - in the grounds of the Princess of Wales Community Hospital - could have all its 18 in-patient beds axed as part of a cash-cutting move. We have been following the story closely since it was first rumoured last year, proving that again we lead where other papers follow.

As part of a review on mental health provision Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust is looking at a series of options to make £1.7m in savings.

The formal consultation period on the review ended on Monday and now health bosses are looking at the possibility of spreading the bed losses over three or four sites, not just one.

A spokesman said the results of the consultation would now be considered and decisions would then be made, but it was not looking at taking all 18 beds from any one unit.

At last week's full council meeting Bromsgrove District Council leader Roger Hollingworth (Con-Alvechurch), put forward a motion concerning Brook Haven after being alerted to its plight by the Advertiser/Messenger.

The motion to support the mental health unit was given unanimous cross-party support from councillors.

Cllr Dave McGrath (Ind-Beacon), the council's spokesman on health scrutiny, said: "Beds are much needed at Brook Haven for patients, and also for their carers. With more care being done in the home those who look after people with mental problems have no respite."

The trust has said it has implemented a service which offered treatment at home as an alternative to hospital admission.

The implications of developing intensive community support will mean there will be less pressure on hospital beds and in time there will be a reduction in the numbers of beds across the county.

It has confirmed Brook Haven will not close and staff will not be placed at risk.