THE way mental health care in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton is delivered in the future could hinge on the findings of two reports next week.

THE way mental health care in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton is delivered in the future could hinge on the findings of two reports next week.

Devon County Council will discuss the findings at next week's Cabinet meeting (Wednesday 14 April).

The reports, from the Council's independent Health and Adults' Services Scrutiny Committee, examine the way mental health services are delivered and rural access.

The report into mental health services concentrates on dementia and a number of recommendations are made.

These include supporting patients when choosing their treatment and to work towards providing services to people on basis of need, rather than just age.

The second report examines access to health care for those who live in rural areas, including the availability of public transport and outreach services.

Fourteen per cent of the county's rural population do not have transport.

Councillor Richard Westlake, chairman of the Health and Adults' Services Scrutiny Committee said: "These reports have given the scrutiny committee the opportunity to contribute to both the mental health strategy and service development in rural areas. The evidence collated from many people and organisations to compile the reports has been invaluable and as well as working alongside practitioners in order to improve healthcare services for the people in Devon.