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Independent on Sunday 30.12.2007 http://comment.independent.co.uk/letters/article3289202.ece Letters: Best treatment for personality disorder Sir: Jeremy Laurance's article (18 December) gives the misleading impression that the kind of people with a complex personality disorder benefiting from the treatment offered at the Henderson Hospital in Sutton will no longer be able to get the treatment they need if it closes. This is not true. Since 2003, in line with the Department of Health's guidance "Personality Disorder: no longer a diagnosis of exclusion", mental health trusts and primary care trusts throughout England have been developing specialist multi-disciplinary personality disorder teams and new, specialist day-patient services for people with personality disorder. This early intervention, preventative, out-patient approach is considered best practice. But there is a continuing need for specialist in-patient services for a small minority of people suffering from personality disorder and there are other residential units that provide this. This Trust is actively working with commissioners to develop the full range of services for people with personality disorder and to ensure present residents of the Henderson can be offered alternative services where necessary. Peter Houghton Chief Executive Dr Ben Nereli Medical Director South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust, London SW17 Sir: The closure of the Henderson Hospital is indeed "inhumane". I work at Main House where I have seen at first hand the positive difference residential treatment can make to people with a diagnosis of personality disorder. The cost of closing these facilities will soon become apparent when patients start using other services within the NHS and the judiciary. This closure represents very short-sighted thinking and is indicative of the lack of investment in mental health. Andy Vant Bromsgrove, Worcestershire -- Dr. Craig Fees, RMSA Honorary Director, Institute for the History and Work of Therapeutic Environments "A research and study centre of the University of Birmingham Hosted by the Planned Environment Therapy Trust" Planned Environment Therapy Trust Archive and Study Centre Church Lane Toddington near Cheltenham Glos. GL54 5DQ United Kingdom 01242 620125 http://www.ihwte.org.uk