CUT backs at High Royds Hospital in Menston are to be examined as part of a review of mental health care in Leeds.

Specialist group, the Independent Reference Group, made up of psychiatrists and social workers has been appointed to look into the state of the city's mental health services.

And the move has been welcomed by Leeds MPs who lobbied health minister John Hutton last month following serious concerns raised by campaigners including the closure of eight acute beds at High Royds last June.

Aireborough MP Paul Truswell said: "John Hutton not only gave us a sympathetic hearing, but has clearly listened to and acted upon our concerns.

"We will of course continue to pursue the other major issues we have raised, such as extra funding and an early decision on the mental health units in the community to replace outdated facilities at High Royds and St James's Hospital's Roundhay Wing."

At last month's meeting Mr Truswell and fellow MPs Harold Best (Otley and Wharfedale) and Fabian Hamilton told Mr Hutton of the concern they shared with parents and families, consultants and staff and patients groups such as the Community Health Council and Patients First.

Issues raised include:

l pressures created by the loss of acute beds

l the need for a Government go-ahead for nine new mental health units - including three to replace facilities at High Royds

l the £12m deficit faced by the community and mental health trust which runs the services

l calls for an independent external scrutiny of current services and how they should move forward.

The review of services will be chaired by Martin Brown, head of mental health and learning difficulties and joint chairman of the Independent Reference Group.

He will be joined by Dr Robert Kendall, president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and Jennifer Bernard, chief executive of the central council for the training of social work.

After the review, recommendations will be made to the regional office of the NHS executive.

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