NHS Somerset has come under fire following proposals to close, relocate, or repurpose inpatient beds across its community hospitals, with public and local officials expressing concerns over potential declines in healthcare services. The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which operates 13 inpatient wards within 11 hospitals across the region, is consulting on changes aligned with the government’s ten-year NHS plan, emphasizing “pathway beds” to facilitate quicker discharge from acute hospitals and enable treatment at home.
At a recent meeting of Somerset Council’s adults and health scrutiny committee in Bridgwater, councillors voiced frustrations that these proposals lack proper development and could negatively impact service availability. Health officials responded that no final decisions have been made and suggested the changes could enhance local service offerings.
Residents and community groups also raised alarms about the consultation process and the practical implications of bed closures. Mel Warburton highlighted the importance of smaller community hospitals in easing pressure on overstretched A&E departments, serving as critical transition points for patients needing ongoing care but not acute hospitalization. Similarly, Ceri Joyce, chair of Friends of Burnham Hospital, stressed the necessity of robust local facilities before making any changes, pointing out the area’s poor public transport and reliance on accessible inpatient care.
Concerns extended to home care support, with residents like Bridgwater’s Taz Haysham questioning the lack of prior consultation and the readiness of community health services to manage increased demand if local beds close. Councillor Gill Slocombe emphasized the need for transparent, step-by-step public engagement to ensure trust and community buy-in.
Amid these concerns, NHS leaders argued that the focus is on improving patient outcomes by enabling more people to recover at home. Councillor Sarah Wakefield referenced the “My Life, My Future” programme’s success in keeping patients in their homes longer, reducing unnecessary hospital stays. Dr. Charles Davis, consultant in palliative medicine, acknowledged the community hospitals’ symbolic and practical health role while emphasizing the need to modernize services to avoid inefficiencies.
Dr. Andy Heron, Chief Executive of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, defended the plans as opportunities to tailor healthcare to the rural setting and expand services such as urology and chemotherapy within community hospitals. He encouraged ongoing dialogue with local communities to shape future care models.
NHS Somerset is conducting a series of public engagement events this summer and early autumn under the ‘Big Conversation’ initiative, inviting residents to share their views on the health service’s future. The adults and health scrutiny committee will review progress on these proposals in the autumn.
Meanwhile, concerns remain over recent bed reductions at West Mendip Hospital, which have led to potential job losses for eight experienced staff members. Councillor Claire Sully highlighted the distress caused by uncertainty and urged NHS Somerset to pause and reconsider bed-cutting plans until a definitive strategy for sustaining local healthcare is in place. MPs, councillors, carers’ groups, and residents continue to call for clear communication and solid support measures to protect frontline staff and community services.
The unfolding debate underscores the challenges of evolving healthcare provision in Somerset, balancing resource demands with maintaining vital, accessible care for rural populations.