Crewkerne Community Hospital, a vital healthcare facility in Somerset, may see all of its 20 inpatient beds closed as part of ongoing NHS service evaluations. While no final decision has been made, reports indicate staff have been informed of potential redeployment to other hospitals.
The prospect of losing inpatient beds has sparked community unrest, with a peaceful protest scheduled for 6 pm on Thursday, July 31, outside the hospital. Local residents worry about the impact on essential care, sharing personal stories about the vital support provided by the hospital’s inpatient services.
One resident told the BBC, “Without the inpatient care at Crewkerne, I’m not sure my father would still be with us. The staff managed his medication, provided physiotherapy, and helped him regain mobility. His recovery would not have been possible without this local support.”
READ MORE: Kitchen Fitter Ordered to Repay £34,000 After Deposit Money Vanishes
READ MORE: Drug Den Shut Down After Years of Turmoil in Upscale British City
Andy Heron, Chief Operating Officer of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, emphasized that the trust is exploring ways to expand diagnostic and treatment services at Crewkerne Community Hospital. “We want to enhance services that benefit a broader section of the community and reduce the need for travel to acute hospitals,” he said.
Heron explained that these developments align with the NHS Long Term Plan’s goal to shift care from acute settings to community-based services. He added, “Crewkerne Community Hospital is in a prime location to evolve into a neighbourhood health centre, offering a range of diagnostic and treatment services tailored to local needs.”
The trust is committed to engaging with the community before making any decisions. “These conversations are at an early stage, and opportunities for public involvement will be announced soon,” Heron confirmed. For now, no definitive plans have been finalized regarding inpatient bed closures.