NHS staff held a lunchtime protest last Thursday at Springfield Hospital, Tooting to draw attention to cuts in mental health services.

Nurses, therapists and doctors employed at South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust joined in the protest.

UNISON called the protest to highlight concerns about the impact of cuts on NHS mental services, and the effects on patient care and safety.

Around 50 people took part outside the hospital in Glenburnie Drive, which was timed to cause minimum disruption to patients.

Michael Walker, UNISON Regional Officer said: "We are witnessing unprecedented levels of cuts in frontline NHS mental health services at a time when there is a massive increase in demand for our services.

"We need local politicians and NHS decision makers of all parties to get involved in defending front line services to vulnerable people in their community."

A spokesman for Springfield Hospital said: “In common with the rest of the NHS, the Trust faces significant challenges over the next few years, with a reduction in the overall budget and increased costs.

“We are looking at all our services to see where changes can be made in order to maximise efficiencies, while continuing to ensure the quality and safety of the care we provide to patients.

"The Trust is committed to engaging with staff about any proposed service changes and, wherever possible, offering suitable redeployment opportunities.”