Charity criticises proposed changes at hospital

Burnham-on-Sea War Memorial Hospital could see its inpatient beds temporarily reduced

A charity says it is "really, really concerned" with planned changes to services at a community hospital.

The minor injuries unit (MIU) at Burnham-on-Sea War Memorial Hospital in Somerset could be moved to a nearby medical centre on a trial basis and its inpatient beds temporarily closed under NHS proposals.

Ceri Joyce from Friends of Burnham Hospital said: "They've got to provide evidence that there is a robust consultation process being done, provide visibility of business plans to support the new initiatives and we have none of that currently."

A spokesperson for the NHS in Somerset said: "No decision has been taken to permanently reduce the number of beds at Burnham-on-Sea community hospital."

Hundreds of people recently protested against bed cuts at Crewkerne Hospital

As part of the government's 10-year plan, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is engaging on proposals to close, relocate or re-purpose inpatient beds.

Temporary bed reductions are being trialled in the autumn at some hospitals, with the aim to create more physical space for additional clinics.

Ms Joyce added: "There is space in the hospital to trial some clinics without losing any beds at all."

The NHS in Somerset said: "Recent data analysis has shown fewer than one in three community hospital beds is occupied by someone from the local area and clinicians believe more local people can be supported in their homes, or closer to home, by changing the way we offer care."

The charity is also criticising plans to move the MIU to Burnham Medical Centre, which is run by Symphony Healthcare Services and is part of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.

"We don't see evidence of how they're going to fit that service into the surgery," Ms Joyce added.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are continuing to work closely together to explore a proposal to relocate the minor injury unit to the closely located Burnham Medical Centre, on a trial basis."

"During this time, there are no immediate changes and people should continue to attend planned appointments and access the community hospital, Minor Injury Unit and their GP services as usual."