Donald and Dorothy Barber depend on county mental health services

The closure of psychiatric beds, services for elderly mental patients and for alcoholics are among proposals by the Devon Partnership Trust.

It is aiming to slash �5.5m off its budget over the next two years.

The Trust said no decisions had been made about closures and consultation was under way with primary care trusts, GPs, staff, patients and carers.

I would say 'lifeline' is a good description. Donald Barber

The Trust, which provides services for mentally ill and learning disabled people in all parts of Devon except Plymouth, is proposing to make savings of more than �3m this financial year and �2.6m next.

Donald Barber, 77, has been looking after his wife, Dorothy, since she developed Alzheimer's Disease 10 years ago.

He depends on the 19-bed Briseham Unit, near their home in Brixham, for respite and emergency care.

He said: "I would say 'lifeline' is a good description. Dorothy goes in four days a week, which enables me to do things like looking after the house, the washing and the cooking.

"And if I'm ill, they can take her in at a moment's notice and have done.

The Shrublands Unit in Torbay may also face cutbacks.

Local GP Dr David Spear said: "I would be particularly annoyed if the alcohol service in Torquay was closed down, or even reduced in capacity.

"It forms a vital part of the treatment and referral mechanism for patients with alcohol problems and we do have large number of patients with alcohol problems."

Despite the Trust's statement that no decisions had been made about closing units, its Board of Directors has been told that the scale of its financial problems is immense and it would be a difficult year for everyone.