Questions for NHS Somerset on behalf of residents

Here are my questions, on behalf of the residents I represent, for tomorrow’s Adults and Health scrutiny committee at Somerset Council. I plan to ask them unless they have already been addressed (in other questions asked) or in the discussion around NHS Somerset’s presentation. 

When I was elected, I made it clear that I am committed to ensuring that the communities I represent have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. As both a Councillor and Vice Chair of Adults and Health Scrutiny for Somerset Council, I recognise the importance of aligning this with our work alongside Somerset Council’s partners — to deliver the best outcomes and healthcare for Somerset residents. With this in mind, I aim to be constructive and explore how we can work together effectively in the interests of our Somerset communities.

1. Staff concerns
Staff and their families at the community hospitals also live within our communities. Some have expressed to me directly, or via their loved ones, deep distress and anxiety regarding the proposed changes to community hospitals and their roles. Your consultation states that where natural turnover is not possible, a competitive selection process will be followed, and for those not successful, redeployment options will be offered, with the possibility of redundancy if no suitable alternative role is found.

Do you recognise that much of the unhappiness around the Community Hospital proposals stems from staff feeling stressed and potentially experiencing a toxic work environment as a result of your “change” process?

2. Unsafe buildings
You have told staff that some of the community hospital buildings are in poor repair, raising safety concerns for both patients and staff. Could you please specify which hospitals are considered unsafe?

I note that you mentioned to Burnham-on-Sea Town Council that there is a £250K budget for maintenance. Can you also confirm the maintenance budgets allocated to other community hospitals across Somerset?

Is there a threat of some community hospitals being permanently closed because they are unsafe?

3. Care home bed closures
It has come to my attention that, alongside reductions in beds at some community hospitals, there are also planned closures of beds in three care homes in Martock, North Petherton, and Glastonbury (all 16 beds at Glastonbury are being removed).

Could you explain the reasoning behind the decision to cut beds in care homes as well?

4. Pause and reflect
Would you consider pausing your current plans for our community hospitals to better communicate and develop a shared vision for local NHS services that involves community input and collaborative planning — instead of making the changes first and then explaining what you are doing?

Thank you for your attention to these questions. I look forward to understanding more and working together to serve Somerset residents effectively.