Join a Call for Transparency and Public Engagement for NHS Plans for Community Hospitals
When: Tuesday August 19th, 12.30pm
Where: West Mendip Hospital, Glastonbury
Scheduled from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, the event will convene community, local MPs, and council representatives who are calling for clarity from NHS Somerset about recent developments.
What has led to this?
- June 2nd: Launch of a petition by MP Anna Sabine and Cllr Adam Boyden opposing bed cuts at Frome Community Hospital.
- July 10th: Public questions raised at the Somerset Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee about bed reductions.
- July 17th: Leak of internal NHS staff consultation document detailing organisational changes and temporary bed reductions, sparking concerns over transparency.
- July 31st: Community protests against potential closures of inpatient beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital.
- August 19th: Staff at West Mendip Hospital are informed of contract and service changes.
- August 21st: Upcoming scrutiny committee questions NHS leadership about their plans.
These developments have led to widespread public concern, with multiple MPs and local councils calling for greater transparency and a halt to any further changes until a full consultative process is completed.
Public Concerns and Community Questions
Members of the public, including residents from East Mendip and neighboring communities, have voiced their apprehensions. During the July Adults and Health Committee meeting, a Frome resident asked the committee:
- Are you aware of these bed closures?
- Have you been consulted or involved in planning?
- Will these changes impact patient flow and social care demand?
- Are vulnerable populations being disadvantaged?
In response, NHS officials clarified that these changes are part of a broader effort to redesign care pathways, emphasising that the goal is to support patients in their own beds whenever possible and deliver more intermediate care at home or in community settings.
The Timeline For Future Plans with Somerset Community Hospitals
The NHS Somerset internal timeline outlines a structured process:
- Business case preparation, consultation, and engagement from May to July 2025.
- Review and final recommendations by late July.
- Staff discussions and proposals finalised by August 19th.
- Proposed implementation slated for September 2025.
- Published strategy by end of 2025
The changes involve temporary bed reductions across community hospitals such as West Mendip, Bridgwater, and Frome, as well as care homes like Casa Di Luso, La Fontana, and Glastonbury Care Home. These adjustments are part of a “test and learn” approach scheduled for mid-2025, with ongoing review and potential future reconfiguration depending on outcomes.
Who is Affected?
Service modifications will impact:
- Community hospital inpatient staff
- Intermediate care teams and care home workers
- Discharge and community facilitators
- Hospital matrons and therapy staff
- Mental health professionals
All Somerset hospitals, including West Mendip, Bridgwater, and Frome, will be affected by the future strategic plans.
Final Thoughts
As the community continues to voice concerns and seek transparency, the upcoming public scrutiny and discussions are crucial for shaping a healthcare system that truly serves local needs. Somerset residents are encouraged to attend (in person or online) to the August 21st Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee meeting and stay informed about the evolving plans for Somerset’s community hospitals or follow NHS Somerset communications.
Together, we can ensure that local healthcare remains accessible, transparent, and responsive to the needs of all Somerset residents.