The future of Somerset Community Hospitals

In recent weeks, the future of community hospital beds across Somerset has become a major concern for residents, local councils, and health advocates. Plans proposed by NHS Somerset Foundation Trust suggest significant reductions and relocations of inpatient beds at facilities including West Mendip Hospital in Glastonbury, Frome Community Hospital, and other sites. These changes are driven by a shift toward more home-based care, but critical questions remain about transparency, community involvement, and the long-term impact on healthcare services.

Who Are the Key Players?

Multiple local Councils have voiced their concerns through official letters and public statements. Notably, Wells City Council, Street Parish Council, and Butleigh Parish Council have all engaged actively to demand answers and clarity on the plans.

Wells City Council has expressed alarm over the lack of transparency and the need for a full understanding of the rationale behind proposed changes. Their letter emphasizes that the full business case remains unpublished, and they are calling for meaningful community engagement to prevent rushed and potentially detrimental decisions.

Street Parish Council is calling for an immediate pause on the proposed changes to allow for thorough scrutiny, the publication of the full business case for review by the community and elected representatives, and meaningful engagement with the public and local councils to address concerns, particularly the impact on residents who may struggle to access healthcare services that are further away.

Butleigh Parish Council letter calls for explanations and transparency. Their letter underscores the importance of community involvement and expresses their concern over the lack of engagement from NHS planners.

Cllr Claire Sully, Vice Chair of Somerset Council’s Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee, has been actively calling for transparency and accountability. She said:

“As a Councillor and Vice Chair of Adults and Health Scrutiny at Somerset Council, my role is to listen to local residents. If they are worried about their local NHS services being taken away, I take that seriously. When NHS Somerset’s narrative differs from what staff and residents are experiencing, it raises serious questions. The key issue is: why are services being cut without a clear plan? And if there is a plan, it must be effectively communicated to those it affects.”

Personal Viewpoint from a Concerned Resident

Jackie, a Mendip resident, has voiced her concerns about the potential threat to community hospital beds. She said:

“I have read with alarm and interest about the local hospital bed closures. Thank you for raising concerns about this issue. Please could this be fought against. Older people like myself are extremely worried about this. I feel that we need more local medical services, not less. Traveling a minimum of 20 miles for medical appointments and visiting unwell friends and relatives is a nightmare, especially given the very poor public transport system in this area. There are not enough carers in the community now, and friends have had to stay in main hospitals because care plans aren’t able to be put in place quickly. Also, relatives who are carers sometimes need respite from their role. The local hospital beds could be used for this. Thank you for taking the time to read this and please continue to question this short-sighted action on our behalf.”

What Are the Proposed Changes?

The NHS proposal involves shifting from inpatient hospital beds to more community-based, home-centered care. The key points:

• Reduce inpatient beds at West Mendip, Frome, Bridgwater, and other Somerset Community hospitals
• Convert existing inpatient beds into facilities supporting discharge and closer-to-home care
• Expand community programs like Discharged to Assess
• Long-term focus on improving care quality, efficiency, and resource use within community settings

These changes started in May 2025, with the NHS Somerset strategy paper yet to be released and scheduled for the end of 2025. Staff contracts at affected hospitals are being prepared for fewer beds and altered service roles by August 19th, 2025.

Community Concerns and Questions

Residents and councils highlight critical issues:

• Lack of transparency and full business case details
• Need for meaningful community involvement before decisions
• Concerns about permanent cuts, risking reduced access to vital services
• Job security fears and potential impacts on care quality

Somerset Councils are demanding accountability. Wells City Council plans to submit questions and attend the August 21st Somerset Council scrutiny meeting, emphasising that healthcare decisions must be transparent, inclusive, and properly scrutinised.

A staff member affected has questioned why NHS Somerset issued a press release seeking public input on the future of NHS Somerset, stating:

“But it’s already been decided. We’ll know our fate by the 19th, which is the decision date—it’s about who stays and who goes.”

Read more on NHS Somerset’s plans to cut services and beds in Somerset here.