UNION bosses have warned that a threat to mental health services at a North hospital is the “tip of the iceberg” of the funding crisis faced by the NHS over the next three years.

Health chiefs last night said that no decision had been taken on the future of two mental health units at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton.

Ward 15, which treats adult mental health patients, and mental health day centre, in Vine House, could close as North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust (PCT) wrestles with a projected £8m deficit. Officials say the closures are only two of the options on the table.

If the units were to close, it is understood patients would be transferred to Harrogate or York or receive treatment in the community.

Although based at the hospital, the units are run by North Yorkshire and York Community and Mental Health Services, which is a branch of the PCT.

John Clare, associate director for mental health, said: “Like all public sector organisations, we are in the process of reviewing all our services and options which would enable us to move services closer to our patients’ homes.

“No significant change to our service provision has been agreed and we will continue to work with local people and our staff and colleagues to ensure that we continue to provide efficient and high-quality services that meet the needs of our patients.”

Mr Clare said residents and stakeholders would be consulted on any firm proposals.

However, Ray Gray, regional officer for the Unison union, said cuts were inevitable as the trust tried to cut 30 per cent from its management budget and ten per cent from service costs.

Mr Gray said: “I think this is just the tip of the iceberg and I think there is going to be a lot more bad news to come from the NHS. It’s going to be very tough for the next two to three years.”

Upper Dales councillor John Blackie, deputy chair of the county council’s scrutiny of health committee, said the closures would be absolutely preposterous.

He said it would mean people from his ward travelling more than 50 miles for treatment.

The North Yorkshire PCT has been battling budget deficits for the past three years after inheriting the debts of the four trusts it replaced.

Elsewhere in the region, NHS Tees last night admitted it was looking to find areas where it could improve efficiency.

A spokesman said: “The exact detail of how we will do this is currently being worked through. We will be looking at introducing new ways of streamlined working to drive forward lasting improvements that will deliver the most benefits to patients.”