Staff at Somerset’s community hospitals have raised concerns that they are being interviewed to determine who will keep their jobs as the NHS prepares to implement major reforms. The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which manages 13 inpatient wards across 11 community hospitals, is consulting on proposals that could close, relocate, or repurpose inpatient beds as part of a broader shift towards providing more care within communities.
The trust’s hospitals are spread throughout Somerset in towns including Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Chard, Crewkerne, Frome, Glastonbury, Minehead, Shepton Mallet, South Petherton, Wellington, Williton, and Wincanton. The planned changes aim to increase “pathway care” beds—designed to facilitate patient transitions out of acute hospitals and enable further treatment at home—while reducing certain traditional inpatient beds.
Some staff report feeling unsettled by recent interviews which they say are intended to “see who keeps their jobs.” Others describe being assigned to “shadow jobs” that are not currently established, adding to workplace stress. However, both the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) emphasize that no final decisions have been made. Public consultations are ongoing throughout the summer to gather local feedback.
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The government’s ten-year NHS plan prioritizes shifting care away from acute hospitals like Musgrove Park in Taunton and Yeovil Hospital into community settings. To support this goal, Somerset’s trust plans to increase pathway care beds at locations such as Bridgwater (36 beds), West Mendip in Glastonbury (20 beds), South Petherton (20 beds), and Williton (20 beds). Conversely, some hospitals like Chard and Wellington will see temporary bed reductions, while Frome and Crewkerne have been flagged for potential decreases.
NHS representatives reiterate that any changes are exploratory and part of test-and-learn initiatives designed to optimize community health services. Staff were consulted on job roles, with options for redeployment or remaining in current roles. The trust assures there will be no compulsory redundancies and that staff may return to previous roles if pilot changes are unsuccessful.
Despite reassurances, several hospital employees spoke anonymously about the stress and uncertainty these processes have caused. One West Mendip staff member highlighted the persistent demand for beds, pointing out the frequent occupancy and seasonal challenges like winter flu surges. Others expressed confusion and high anxiety over interviews and job security.
Speculation has also emerged that these changes might be linked to a potential merger of NHS Somerset with neighbouring Integrated Care Boards in North Somerset, Bath, and Dorset. Such a merger could involve significant cuts in operational expenses, although no official decisions have been announced.
The NHS Somerset ICB encourages residents to engage with the ongoing consultation, emphasizing the importance of public input in shaping future community care. Several in-person consultation events and an online survey are available for those wishing to contribute their views.
Local councillors and MPs are also involved, with upcoming scrutiny meetings and public protests planned. Community members and elected officials continue to seek clarity and transparency as they navigate the uncertainty surrounding the future of their local NHS services.