CHARD Hospital now has more staff vacancies than before the centre’s inpatient beds were controversially closed in October 2017, it has been revealed.

Despite improving employment levels across the county, Chard Hospital has been temporarily hit after staff chose to take jobs at the nearby South Petherton Hospital.

The vacancy rate across the county has been improved from the equivalent to 48.12 full-time roles, to around 40wte (whole time equivalents).

This has resulted in the recent announcement that Shepton Mallet hospital’s beds will reopen in two weeks.

Phil Brice, director of strategy and corporate affairs at Somerset Partnership, said: “The staffing gap specifically at Chard Community Hospital as at the end of May was 2.36 wte out of a total establishment of 10.22 wte – about 23 per cent.

“This compares to a position of 2.04wte vacancies – 20 per cent – at Chard when we made the decision to temporarily close.

“A small number of staff have decided to take up the opportunity to specialise in the care of stroke patients at the local stroke specialist unit.”

With the improving staffing levels across the county, Somerset Partnership has launched an employment drive to fill the vacancy gaps in Chard.

This has been put out with the help of county councillor for Chard North, Amanda Broom.

Cllr Broom said: “Recruitment for staff is on-going with major local promotion happening soon.

“Wards are ready to open when staffing levels improve.”

Meanwhile, plans to refurbish parts of Chard Hospital are well underway.

Last year works were expected to cost £500,000 and be completed in 2020.

Phil Brice added: “The estimate of £500,000 worth of works to be done was our own.

“Since then we have commissioned what is known as a six facet survey which has identified in more detail the major works that are required on the site to bring the inpatient area up to a good standard for NHS care.

“We have commissioned property experts to review those recommendations and set about a costings and procurement programme for those works but we anticipate the costs to be nearer £750,000 in total.

“The programme is being finalised and will be considered by the Trust’s Capital Planning Group in the near future.”