Concerns are mounting over the future of Crewkerne Community Hospital as local MP Adam Dance urges urgent assurances to protect its inpatient beds. Responding to mounting public worries, Mr. Dance revealed he has received numerous messages from residents and has directly engaged with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and the Integrated Care Board.
Although officials have confirmed that the hospital is not closing and no final decision has been made regarding the potential reduction of its 20 inpatient beds, Mr. Dance insists that verbal reassurances are insufficient. “These beds are vital,” he emphasized. “They help prevent bed blocking in our main hospitals, ease pressure on acute services, and ensure patients recover safely closer to home. We must maintain these beds fully operational until any new service model has been properly consulted on and proven superior.”
While he supports future plans to expand local treatments and diagnostics in line with the NHS Ten Year Plan, Mr. Dance cautioned that such developments must not come at the expense of existing inpatient beds. “Proposals to enhance diagnostics, outpatient clinics, and even treatments like chemotherapy locally are promising. However, these must not reduce bed capacity which already plays a critical role for patients and families,” he stated.
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The MP also criticized the lack of transparent communication and public engagement from NHS leaders regarding these discussions. “The NHS belongs to us all, and the community must be included in these conversations,” he said. A public engagement program is scheduled to begin this summer, where Mr. Dance pledges to listen to residents and keep NHS leaders accountable. “My priority is to ensure Crewkerne Community Hospital remains fully functional, with no bed losses without clear evidence and public support,” he added.
Public anxiety intensified after reports surfaced about the possible removal of all 20 inpatient beds, with staff being briefed on potential redeployment. A peaceful protest is planned for Thursday, July 31 at 6 pm outside the hospital as residents prepare to express their concerns.
One local resident told the BBC how inpatient care at Crewkerne saved his father’s life: “The staff managed his medication, provided treatment and physiotherapy, and helped him regain mobility. Without this care, he wouldn’t be with us today.”
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust maintains that no decisions have been made but confirmed early-stage discussions to reshape services at the hospital. Andy Heron, the Trust’s Chief Operating Officer, stated they are working with community groups to explore expanding diagnostics and treatments offered locally. “We want to involve local people and representatives in conversations about the hospital’s future,” he said.
Heron highlighted that these plans align with the NHS Ten Year Plan’s shift from acute to community care, aiming to maximize the hospital’s potential as a neighbourhood health centre. “These discussions are just beginning, and no decisions have been finalized,” he reassured.