Wells ward to close
As part of the “Fit for my Future” project, the Somerset CCG is proposing to close St Andrews Ward in Wells. The ward currently offers 14 beds for adult mental health patients with acute needs.
Under the new plan, these beds will transfer to Yeovil. Here the current 18 bed facility in Rowan Ward will be increased. this will be achieved by using the space available in Magnolia Ward which closed to patients last year.
The new arrangements will see two 16 bed wards in Yeovil.
There are also two further wards in Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital, but facilities there are not expected to change.
The changes being proposed follow a review of adult mental healthcare in Somerset. Dr Alex Murray, a GP and the clinical lead for Fit For My Future told us “We’ve looked in great detail at what the best service shape might be and examined all the evidence closely. Our wards in Wells and Yeovil are ‘stand-alone’ which means there are no wards close by and so no other staff to support in an emergency when a patient is experiencing a medical or mental health crisis. At times, patients on acute mental health wards will need acute medical support as well as mental health support. St Andrews Ward in Wells is 22 miles and around 45 minutes away from the nearest Emergency Department at Bath Royal United Hospital which can be critical if someone is physically ill or has harmed themselves in some way.”
Starting today the CCG will be consulting with the public on the proposed changes.
Over the coming weeks the Fit for my Future team will be going out to talk to people at drop-in events close to the acute wards in Wells, Yeovil and Taunton and at Talking Cafes, actively encouraging them to share their views.
In addition printed copies of the proposals are available at GP surgeries; the three sites with acute mental health inpatient beds – Rowan Ward, Yeovil, St Andrews Ward, Wells and Rydon Wards 1 and 2, Taunton; or by calling 01935 384119 or emailing somccg.fitformyfuture@nhs.net