Glastonbury and Somerton MP Sarah Dyke has raised serious concerns with NHS Somerset Foundation Trust over its plan to shut 14 inpatient beds at West Mendip Community Hospital.

The closures, due to begin in August 2025, are part of a proposal to repurpose the ward space for outpatient services like chemotherapy, cardiology, dermatology and blood transfusions. These treatments are currently only available at larger hospitals across the county.

But Ms Dyke has criticised the move, questioning the transparency of the consultation and calling for guarantees on staffing and service provision. She has written to the Trust's Chief Executive demanding assurances that the changes will not harm local healthcare.

"I am concerned by the proposed closure of 14 inpatient beds and the potential loss of staff roles at West Mendip Community Hospital," she said. "Many residents are growing increasingly wary of any further loss of vital healthcare service provision beginning to erode community health services across the county."

She acknowledged the Trust's plan to bring new services closer to home but said key details remain unclear.

"There has been little consultation regarding these proposals," she added. "The beds are set to be removed from mid-August, but without a timeline of when any new services will be operational and what these services are likely to be."

Staff at the hospital have reportedly contacted Ms Dyke directly, raising fears about job security. She said workers are anxious they may have to reapply for their roles or face redundancy.

"The staff at West Mendip Community Hospital are a small but dedicated team," Ms Dyke said. "Many are now anxious that they will need to re-apply for their own positions and will be forced to compete against their colleagues to retain their jobs."

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She warned her support for any changes hinges on receiving "strong written assurances" from the Trust, and promised to keep a close watch on developments.