Proposals to modernise mental health services across Morecambe Bay could result in the closure of hospital beds for patients in both Kendal and Barrow, writes health reporter Michaeal Robinson-Tate.

Health bosses this week unveiled plans that they hope will improve mental health services for adults across South Lakeland, Barrow and Lancaster.

Two options for providing in-patient or hospital care for mental health patients have emerged. One proposal is for three local units in Lancaster, South Lakeland and Barrow. This would be similar to what is provided currently, but would be an improved service.

A second proposal would be for a larger single unit in either Lancaster or Kendal, although health chiefs have warned it would be difficult to find a suitable site in Kendal.

It is expected that the option for one site would spark opposition among patients and their families, who could face long journeys to access services.

The proposals will now go out for public consultation.

Currently, 79 in-patient beds are provided by Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust: 29 at Ridge Lea at Lancaster; 25 at ward four at Kendal's Westmorland General Hospital; and 25 at Danegarth at Barrow's Furness General Hospital.

In the future, it is expected only 60 beds will be required, partly because there are a number of people "living" on the wards who really need residential care, and also because it is hoped more patients can be helped without the need to be admitted.

PCT director of mental health Peter Clarke told the PCT that three smaller units, made up of 13 beds in South Lakeland, 21 in Barrow and 26 in Lancaster and Morecambe, would reinforce local services.

However, there were concerns about whether they would be big enough to provide patients with the necessary skills and service.

Mr Clarke said one of the existing worries about ward four at WGH was whether it had the capacity to manage incidents when patients were disturbed.

A single unit, which would probably have to be located in Kendal or Lancaster, partly because recruitment of staff in Barrow was difficult, would involve more travel and disruption for patients, but could provide the best type of service.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Clarke said that if a decision to move to one unit was taken, it would not mean a return to an old-fashioned service: "A 60-bed, modern, single bedroom well-designed unit is very different from the old 1,000 bed type Victorian asylum."

The chairman of the PCT's Patient and Public Involvement forum, Jim Bradley, said patients were likely to prefer the three unit option.

"From a user, carer and local community point of view there's an extremely strong preference that we must work to make the three site option work."

A consultation period, to include public meetings, will be launched next month, and a decision is expected in the autumn.