CHARD Hospital’s inpatient beds have been closed despite the trust that runs it acknowledging “very strong and clear messages from patients and the public.”

At a board meeting of the Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust last week, public concerns over the impact of the closures of inpatient beds at Chard Hospital and Shepton Mallet were raised.

Chard Hospital has only closed it's inpatient ward. The minor injuries unit, the physio and outpatient departments are still open.

Following the meeting last Tuesday, a spokesman for the trust said the board had come together “to discuss its decision and to reflect on the very strong and clear messages we have received from some patients and the public in both Shepton Mallet and Chard about the action we have planned to take.”

The spokesman added: “In taking this approach, the trust has been keen to balance the immediate patient safety issues we are facing and the need to take urgent action with the benefits of taking on board the public’s views.

“The board considered whether the patient safety situation has changed since the date of the original decision, reviewed the feedback from the public... and looked at the current position around recruitment.”

The board has asked for some further information by yesterday (Tuesday, October 31, 2017) but the spokesman said the “intention remains to proceed with the temporary closures as planned.”

So far more than 3,600 people have signed a petition calling for a secure future for the hospital.

Somerset Partnership’s patient and public involvement team has organised for a workshop to be held for members of the public to share their opinions on how best to provide care for the people of Chard in the future.

This follows a drop in session on October 20 which a number of key figures only received one days’ notice for.

The workshop is set to be held on Monday, November 13, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, at the Guildhall in Fore Street.

A spokesman for Somerset Partnership said: “We would like to hear from local people who have views and ideas about how we can best support local people with their health and care needs, particularly during the temporary closure of the inpatient ward.

“We are particularly keen to hear from people whose family or friends have used the community hospital.”

The workshop will be organised with booked places only.

To book your place or if you have any questions, email myvoice@sompar.nhs.uk.

Bookings will be confirmed by email.