PEOPLE can have their say on the future of two Hampshire mental health units under threat from closure.

A public consultation is to be launched on the future of Rivendale Rehabilitation Unit in Sarisbury Green and the Ellingham Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit at Calmore’s Woodhaven Hospital.

It comes nine months after bosses closed both units “temporarily” so that all fifty staff could be seconded to other posts during a staffing crisis.

Both units had been due to open in April but bosses decided to keep them shut until a final decision was made on their futures.

Now Hampshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for running the two units, has launched a consultation into their fate beginning on June 28.

The trust first earmarked the two sites for possible closure a year ago as part of a range of cost-cutting measures to save £2.2m.

It also says that its community services mean fewer people need to stay in hospital, reducing the demand for its mental health beds.

However, staff and patients’ relatives have campaigned against the closure of the Ellingham ward, which opened at the £7m Woodhaven Hospital in 2004.

Consultant Psychiatrist Guy Powell who works at the unit has already warned of the risk of murder and suicide among patients if it closes.

New Forest East MP Julian Lewis said: “These proposals are financially driven but dressed up as best practice for patients when it is no such thing.”

People can have their say after the consultation begins on June 28 by phoning 023 8087 4118 or emailing engagement.office@hantsptsw.

nhs.uk They can also find out more about the proposals and give their views at the following events.

■ Tuesday, July 6 – 5pm-7pm: Lyndhurst Community Centre, off main car park, High Street, Lyndhurst, SO43 7NY
■ Thursday, July 8 – 12.30pm-2.30pm: Music Room, Thorngate Halls, Bury Road, Gosport, PO12 3PX
■ Monday, July 12 – 5pm-7pm: The Octagon Room, Ferneham Hall, Osborn Road, Fareham, PO16 7DB
■ Wednesday, July 14- 12.30pm-2.30pm: Masonic Hall, 10 High Street, Lymington.