PLANS to axe specialist beds for elderly patients with mental illnesses have been branded a 'severe blow' by the Stroud branch of the Alzheimer's Society.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that 18 beds at the Weavers' Croft community hospital in Stroud are under threat.

This would mean patients with mental health problems who need hospital care would be treated in Cheltenham or Gloucester.

Jo Smith, chairman of Stroud's branch of the Alzheimer's Society, said it was vital that dementia patients be treated close to home.

Mrs Smith, whose father had Alzheimer's Disease, said: "Community hospitals like Weaver's Croft were built so people could be treated near their families.

"Someone with dementia may no longer be able to speak for themselves, so it is vital that families share with staff the intimate knowledge they have about the life history, habits and preferences of their loved one."

West Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust is carrying out a consultation into the future of the unit.

NHS bosses want to increase community care for patients like home care and sheltered housing.

This, they say, would lessen the need for beds.

At present not all beds at Weavers' Croft are in use all the time Hillary Fairfield, project director for older people's mental health at the NHS trust, said if the beds were scrapped the money saved would be used to improve community care.

"It would be far better to invest in community services to help support people at home if that's feasible or nearer to their homes if not," she said. "To do that we need to use the money that is currently tied up in these beds."

It's thought the second stage of the consultation will begin in March.