Although the new mental health drop-in centre is a positive development, the demise of the Hughes Unit remains a serious loss.

Unfortunately, mental health is the lowest priority and the NHS is failing to provide the wide range of services and patient choice envisaged for the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies initiative.

Counselling at Lyme Medical Centre is the latest service to be axed.

Virgincare, a new health provider, manages the medical centre and did not negotiate with the Clinical Commissioning Group to keep a service that had been available for more than 20 years.

Anyone who has concerns about the erosion of mental health provision can contact Dorset CCG, Vespasian House, Barrack Road, Dorchester, DT1 1TG, or feedback@ dorsetccg.nhs.uk

Sam Williams Vinney Cross Bridport