Local Lib Dems have criticized the decision by the health authorities to close the mental health unit at St Marks Hospital and at Heatherwood and move the facilities to Prospect Park Hospital in Tilehurst, Reading.
The move to Reading was proposed by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in 2010 as one of three options to enable it to save more than £20m over three years.
Lib Dems opposed the move because Charles Ward at St Marks Hospital was the only option that continued a locally-based service to borough residents. At present residents have access to these services locally but, with the changes, they will have to trek up to 25 miles for that care.
Charles Ward to close