TWO NHS trusts have apologised for approving widespread cuts which, by their own admission, put standards of service at risk.

The plans would see 11 services across West Hertfordshire squeezed and one closed down, if they are implemented. Rose Child, a representative of Watford and Three Rivers, and Dacorum Primary Care Trusts (PCTs), which recently agreed to the cuts said: "The PCTs are very sorry that we are having to take this action.

"Reducing services is the last thing anyone wants, but this is the only way we can bring the trusts back into financial balance.

"There is a risk we will not deliver some of the standards set in National Service Frameworks, but we are trying to make sure we can provide services for those at highest risk and in greatest need."

The cuts are expected to save £842,000, shared between the four PCTs in West Herts. St Albans and Harpenden, and Hertsmere PCTs must also approve the cuts.

They are expected to do so later this month.

The proposed cuts are wide ranging, and largely affect patients with ongoing medical conditions, or those recovering from serious illness or injury.

The most significant cut is the closure of the hydrotherapy pool at St Albans City Hospital, which currently serves about 200 patients.

This means the end of hydrotherapy for all NHS patients in West Hertfordshire, saving £60,000. The closure is expected to put extra strain on the physiotherapy service, but this is where the PCTs are making their biggest financial cuts.

Under the plans, 3,000 fewer patients will be seen by physiotherapists each year, with a projected saving of £300,000.

Other notable service withdrawals include cuts in the health visitor service, which will mean not all expectant mothers will be visited, not all mothers will be assessed for post-natal depression at six and 12 weeks and not all babies will receive a follow-up visit, after initial birth assessment.

Also, cuts to the foot health service would mean home visits no longer taking place, with patients having to travel to clinics to see a podiatrist.

Full details of each service cut, and its associated risks, are available on the Watford and Three Rivers PCT website, www.watford3r-pct.nhs.uk in the July 2006 board papers (Appendices to Provider Services).

For full story see this week's Watford Observer.