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NHS to Cut Hospital Beds for New Services
18 Dec
Summary
- Hospital beds to be reduced at two community hospitals.
- New services like chemotherapy and maternity will be introduced.
- The trial is planned to commence in April 2026.
The NHS has announced plans to reduce inpatient beds at two community hospitals as part of a trial initiative. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is exploring the repurposing of beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital and Burnham-on-Sea War Memorial Hospital. This strategic adjustment is in line with the government's long-term healthcare objectives.
Beginning in April 2026, both hospitals will experience a temporary reduction in their bed capacity, decreasing from 16 to eight beds each. The space freed up by this measure is intended for the implementation of vital new services, such as chemotherapy and expanded maternity care offerings.
The trust acknowledges the community's desire for these enhanced local services while also expressing concerns about losing essential community hospital beds. This trial aims to balance the introduction of new healthcare provisions with the continued availability of local inpatient care.
