Wells City Council has voiced strong concerns over the proposed closure or repurposing of 20 beds at West Mendip Hospital in Glastonbury, along with additional changes at Shepton Mallet’s healthcare facilities. These changes are part of broader plans by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust affecting community hospitals across the county.
A statement posted on the council’s website emphasized the community’s unease over the lack of public consultation and the absence of a published business case, despite the significant impact these changes would have on local healthcare services. The timetable for implementation appears rushed, with final decisions expected just two days before the Somerset Council Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee meeting on 21 August 2025—a key forum for reviewing and challenging such healthcare decisions.
At the Full City Council meeting on 24 July, Councillor Claire Sully, Vice Chair of the Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee, and local residents highlighted these issues. The council unanimously agreed that the Mayor of Wells would represent the city’s interests at the upcoming scrutiny committee meeting to voice community concerns.
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Additionally, the Town Clerk will formally write to Somerset NHS Foundation Trust seeking detailed information on the proposed changes, their timelines, anticipated impacts, and mitigation strategies.
West Mendip Community Hospital, opened in April 2005, was established as a modern healthcare hub with 36 inpatient beds, outpatient rehabilitation, a Minor Injuries Unit, and community care services serving central Somerset. The proposed loss of 20 beds represents a significant reduction in capacity and raises fears about diminished access to essential care, especially for elderly and vulnerable patients.
Mayor Louis Agabani urged residents to review the proposals and submit feedback directly to Somerset NHS Foundation Trust via [email protected] and the Somerset Council Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee before the 21 August deadline. Those wishing to speak at the scrutiny meeting can register by contacting [email protected].