Staff service denied to patients

A mental health trust under pressure to reduce costs and save money is to cut a physiotherapy service for patients but leave it available to staff.

Norfolk and Waveney Mental Health Trust is trying to save money to reduce a £5.2m shortfall in funding.

Now it is planning to cut physiotherapy for patients under the age of 65.

A spokesperson said: "The service will still be available for staff as it keeps them fit and that cuts down on people taking time off."

The trust, which provides services in Norfolk and North Suffolk, has already looked at charging for parking and cutting back on providing hot meals.

"Mental health patients will be able to access physiotherapy through their GPs," the spokesperson added.