Join a Call for Transparency and Public Engagement for NHS Plans for Community Hospitals
When: Tuesday August 19th, 12.30pmWhere: 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? These developments have led to widespread public concern, with multiple MPs and local…
Read MoreHarnessing Community and Creativity: The Future Potential of The Amulet in Shepton Mallet
I was delighted to attend the inaugural business and arts networking event at the Amulet this morning, organised by the dedicated group working to revitalise the building and ensure its future. It was a great opportunity to connect and support their inspiring efforts. Here is what I said: I stand here today with a passion…
Read MoreMonthly round up of Somerset Council news
‘Together for West Somerset Appeal’ Somerset Council gives financial support Somerset Council has contributed £50,000 to the Together for West Somerset Appeal launched by Somerset Community Foundation to support those affected by the July 17th Exmoor coach tragedy. The fund, guided by partners including NHS, local schools, and national agencies, aims to provide immediate and…
Read MoreBeyond the Festival: Somerset Life Dives Deep into the Spirit of Pilton Village
Often, in the big narrative of the festival, Pilton, the village, and its story take a back seat. But that shouldn’t be the case. For me, Pilton and Glastonbury Festival are truly inseparable—one creates the other, and vice versa. There’s an unmistakable creativity, ingenuity, and independent spirit that drives something so unique and extraordinary in…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read More“This lack of transparency has caused considerable distress to staff and raised alarm within the community” Street Parish Council
Street Parish Council held an extraordinary meeting to address the controversial repurposing of beds at West Mendip Hospital in Glastonbury. They’ve also issued a powerful press release demanding answers. This follows my urgent call for greater scrutiny of NHS Somerset’s secretive plans—why are they keeping our local communities in the dark? We deserve transparency and…
Read MoreWells City Council Oppose Community Hospital Beds cuts
I, along with a resident, attended the Wells City Council Full Council meeting on July 24th. During the session, the resident spoke to the Council, urging them to respond to NHS Somerset’s decision to cut local hospital services, despite the plans not being made public. The City Council expressed deep concerns regarding NHS Somerset’s decision…
Read MoreCommunity 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…
Read MoreMonthly round up of Somerset Council news
Transforming Social Care Challenges into Success: Somerset Council’s ‘My Life, My Future’ Wins National AwardSomerset Council’s adult social care transformation, ‘My Life, My Future,’ has received national recognition, winning a prestigious Local Government Chronicle (LGC) award. The programme has saved £10 million over the first two years, significantly improved support for residents across the county…
Read MoreMy Unique Role with Glastonbury Festival – Being the Elected Councillor where the Largest Greenfield Music and Performing Arts Festival in the World is held
Not many elected councillors in the country can say they oversee a community that welcomes over 200,000 visitors in one weekend—especially in a village of fewer than 1,000 residents! As the Councillor for Pilton in Mendip South, I have the unusual privilege (and sometimes challenge) of representing a small community that transforms into the world’s…
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