Thank god I backed my posts up here...

NHS Choices is changing the mental health blog to a forum. I know, I know -- I can't stand things being changed without my permission -- but I am quite pessimistic about this change on so many levels. I love supporting the NHS and promoting patient involvement, but this news just makes me sad.

Here is what I said to the NHS Choices Talk team:

I understand the desire and need to alter the site structure, but this is a fundamental change in the purpose of the site (from blog post to forum discussion) that appeals less to me as both a contributor and a reader. It downplays the appeal and continuity of following a single expert patient's journey of experiences in favour of healthcare topics. Is there any way of preserving the emphasis on people rather than symptoms and disorders?

I would still participate in the new structure, but it will not be the same level as before. I am personally less interested in contributing to 'discussions' and especially wary about the inclusion of 'experts' especially in the area of mental health.

I'm not sure what I will do when this change goes into effect.