SWEEPING measures which will change the face of care for the mentally ill in East Lancashire have been welcomed by health chiefs.

Health minister Frank Dobson announced earlier this week the end of the controversial care in the community policy and major reforms of the service.

The aim is to end the long catalogue of tragedies and deaths caused by mental health patients in the community.

Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley health trust came under fire two years ago after Blackburn patient Michael Horner killed his wife Hazel before committing suicide.

The resulting inquiry partially blamed the trust for the tragedy and ordered the bosses to implement a 14-point action plan.

The Labour government has revealed £1 billion will be spent on improving the service. Michael's daughter Michelle Wilkins has this week said she will believe it when she sees it.

Measures include 24-hour care teams, special units, extra counselling and more beds for patients with severe problems.

John Thomas, chief executive of the trust, has welcomed the moves and claims many of the measures are already in place in East Lancashire. He said: "The first thing to say is that we very much welcome these proposals.

"We have already strengthened our community mental health care services and this will take the progress further.

"The plan to provide a 24-hour response in the community and more beds for acute patients ties in with the strategy we are developing in East Lancashire."

He added: "We are not moving towards large institutions for mental health patients.

"We want a mix of 24-hour care and stronger care in the community provision.

"It should be recognised there has already been a significant investment in psychiatric care in East Lancashire."

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