A SWINDON patient group wants to hear people’s views on plans to temporarily close the Sandalwood Court place of safety. 

NHS chiefs announced earlier this month that the place of safety suite would be closed for a year while concerns over patient safety flagged by watchdog the Care Quality Commission are addressed.

The closing date for the suite – where those in the midst of a mental health crisis can be taken for assessment by medical professionals – has not yet been confirmed.

Healthwatch Swindon want to hear people’s views on the proposed closure.

A spokesman said: “Access to, and quality of mental health services topped the Healthwatch network list of health and social care priorities for the third year running. 

“We would encourage all local people to speak up about their ideas and experiences of health and social care services in Swindon and in particular this issue regarding the temporary closure of the place of safety in Swindon.”

To contact Healthwatch Swindon, call 01793 497777 or email info@healthwatchswindon.org.uk.