The number of inpatient beds at Glastonbury's West Mendip Hospital could be reduced by around a third under new proposals currently being considered by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

The trust has confirmed it is in the "very early" stages of a consultation that would see a reduction in beds at Frome Community Hospital from 24 to 16, with a similar cut proposed for West Mendip Hospital, which currently has 36 inpatient beds across two wards. A cut of a third would leave the hospital with 20 beds.

A spokesperson said the changes reflect a shift in demand, with more people now receiving care at home following an acute hospital stay. "We are looking at the range, mix and balance of NHS services that are provided in people's own homes, community hospital services and community hospital beds," they said.

"As a result, we are adjusting the number of beds that we are providing in some community hospitals to better match the demand."

They added that there has already been "significant investment" in services designed to support patients at home, and that the trust is exploring what other services could be delivered from community hospital settings rather than the main acute hospitals.

Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke, whose constituency includes West Mendip Hospital, told the BBC she understood the proposals may raise concerns but gave the direction of travel a cautious welcome.

"While I understand that residents may be concerned at the planned bed closures, the chief executive of the hospital trust has reassured me this isn't a cost-cutting exercise," she said following an urgent meeting last week.

"He has reassured me that this is part of a well-thought-out strategic plan to shift reliance on community beds, moving the balance of care back to the home — but only when people are well enough to leave acute care within the hospital setting."

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Ms Dyke said she had also been told that "the funds and staff previously used for community hospital beds will be redeployed to make sure there are enough services in the community to facilitate this shift".

Further details of the consultation are expected in due course.