Community hospital beds could be closed or relocated, questions need to asked and answered by NHS Somerset

As Vice Chair of Somerset Council’s Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee, I am calling for urgent transparency from NHS Somerset regarding proposed changes to our community hospitals. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has shared its plans only internally with staff, without engaging or informing the wider community. This raises concerns, especially as these plans include potentially permanent reductions in hospital beds and services, including at Frome and West Mendip Hospitals.

Residents and Somerset Council have yet to see the full business case behind these changes. To address this, Wells City Council has pledged to act: they will write with their concerns to NHS Somerset, attend the Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee on August 21st, and seek the views of local residents—possibly through a survey or petition.

Currently, NHS plans include reducing beds at Frome and West Mendip Hospitals, citing shifting demand to home care, but the full details and impact remain unclear. These could be long-term changes, with staff contracts already being prepared for the future.

While NHS timetable for changes and cuts to community hospital beds runs from May to September 2025, questions need to be raised as soon as possible to prevent rushed decisions without proper oversight. I will continue to push for transparency, accountability, and meaningful community input.

What’s happening?
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust’s plans include reducing beds at Frome Community Hospital and similar reductions at West Mendip Hospital in Glastonbury. While they cite shifting demand—more care being delivered at home—the full details of the rationale and planning remain hidden from public view.

Many residents are alarmed that these are not just short-term testing or trial ideas but potentially permanent changes, with staff contracts already being prepared for a future where roles, working areas, beds are cut long-term. This raises questions about community involvement, care quality, and the criteria being used to make such significant decisions.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Timeline

14/05/25: Prepare Business Case for Change

28/05/25: Present proposal to Union Consultation

12/06/25: Launch formal consultation and begin engagement meetings (internally)

11/07/25: End of consultation; review feedback

14/07/25: Final feedback and recommendations

28/07/25: Send closing consultation paper

08/08/25: Start necessary selection processes

19/08/25: Final discussion with Staff Side; finalize proposals

01/09/25: Proposed implementation date

Affected Areas & Staff Groups

Community hospital inpatient staff (clinical and non-clinical)

Intermediate care staff working in community beds and care homes

Discharge and community facilitators

Community hospital matrons

Therapy staff in community hospitals

Mental health team colleagues

Hospitals involved:

West Mendip, Bridgwater, and Frome Community Hospitals.

Summary of Proposed Changes to Somerset Hospital Services:

Home Support Increase

Expand pathways like Discharged to Assess to aid smoother home transitions.

Community Hospitals Shift Focus on reducing inpatient beds, offering closer-to-home care, and managing patient pathways efficiently.

Facility-Specific Changes:

Bridgwater: Increase to 36 pathway care beds, repurposing 9 others.

West Mendip: Convert 20 beds for pathway use.

Williton: Retain 20 beds for pathway use.

South Petherton: Transition 20 beds.

Chard & Wellington: Temporary reduction before final changes.

NHS Somerset Goals:

Enhance care quality, efficiency, and resource utilisation focusing on community-based services.

Timeline:

Implementation planned across 2025 / 2026

To submit a question to the Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee (August 21st), you must submit it in writing, usually by noon with two clear working days before the meeting.

The question should be addressed to the Monitoring Officer through Democratic Services (democraticservicesteam@somerset.gov.uk) and include your name, contact details,. You may also need to adhere to the committee’s question length (3 minutes maximum).

You can appear in person or online, you can have your letter read out on your behalf.

Related articles from the local media: https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/…/25331289…/