Press & Media Release: Proposed Bed Closures at West Mendip Hospital – Wells City Council Raises Serious Concerns Over Transparency and Impact on Local Healthcare
At a meeting of Full City Council on Thursday 24th July 2025, Wells City Council responded to serious concerns regarding the proposed closure or repurposing of 20 beds at West Mendip Hospital in Glastonbury, as well as other proposed amendments at facilities in Shepton Mallet. The changes form part of wider plans by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust affecting community hospitals across the county.
Despite the scale and significance of the proposed changes, no public consultation has taken place, and the business case has not been published. This lack of transparency has caused considerable concern within the community, particularly as the implementation is reportedly scheduled to be finalised just two days before the next Somerset Council Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee meeting on 21 August 2025, whose role it is to challenge such decisions and implementations.
At the meeting, Wells City Council noted the concerns raised by Cllr Claire Sully, Vice Chair of Somerset Council’s Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee and members of the public who brought the matter to the Council’s attention. It was unanimously agreed that the Mayor or Wells would represent the Council and residents of the City at the Somerset Council Adults and Health Scrutiny Committee meeting on 21 August 2025, in order to express views and concerns associated with the changes. Equally, the Town Clerk would write to Somerset NHS Foundation Trust on behalf of the Council to express concerns and seek further details associated with the proposed amendments, timescales and expected impacts and mitigations.
Background: West Mendip Hospital’s Original Purpose
West Mendip Community Hospital was opened on 18 April 2005 as a purpose-built NHS facility on Old Wells Road in Glastonbury. It was designed to consolidate services from Butleigh Hospital and Wells & District Hospital, creating a modern community healthcare centre to serve central Somerset. The hospital was established to provide 36 inpatient beds; offer outpatient rehabilitation and recovery services; operate a Minor Injuries Unit; Act as a hub for community-based care across the region.
The proposed closure or repurposing of 20 beds marks a significant departure from the hospital’s founding vision, raising serious concerns about reduced access to care, especially for elderly and vulnerable patients in the area.
Notes to Editors:
Further Information and Media Coverage
For further background, see the following news articles and statements:
For additional information, please contact:
Haylee Wilkins, Clerk to Wells City Council
01749 673091 / townclerk@wells.gov.uk