Lawyers are planning a High Court challenge to the proposed closure of a hospital which helps people with complex mental health problems.
Solicitors acting for in-patients at the Henderson Hospital in Sutton, Surrey, said its closure would have a serious impact.

They estimate it would halve the number of beds available to people with personality disorder.

The NHS trust which runs the hospital was unaware of a legal challenge.

But the BBC understands that legal action to challenge the closure decision will begin in the next fortnight.

The Henderson Hospital does intensive work with people who have enduring emotional and behavioural problems, which can involve them harming themselves or others.

It used to receive income as a national service - but its referrals started to dwindle when funding was switched to local NHS trusts.

Mental health campaigners say the service is vital for deeply troubled people.

Lawyers claim there has been no consultation, and they want to press the case for a return to national funding.

Frances Swaine, from Leigh Day and Co, is a solicitor representing some of the 16 current in-patients.

For more information, click below

Simon
Viewpoint Webteam

SOURCE: BBC News Online