Adam Dance MP presses Government for answers on future of Crewkerne Hospital beds

Adam Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has submitted a formal Parliamentary Question to the Health Secretary, asking what assessment has been made of the Ten Year Health Plan’s impact on community hospital beds in the Yeovil constituency.

The move follows growing concern about the future of beds at Crewkerne Community Hospital. While NHS Somerset has said the hospital will remain open, the Trust has confirmed that a review is under way which may reduce bed numbers — a move that Mr Dance has warned could lead to longer stays in acute hospitals and more delays in patient recovery.

Responding to Mr Dance’s question, Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said an impact statement for the plan would be published “shortly”, but did not confirm whether this would include specific modelling for rural communities like Crewkerne.

Mr Dance said:

“We all want to see more care delivered closer to home, but that can’t come at the cost of losing the community beds we already have. These beds are essential for safe recovery, easing pressure on our main hospitals, and preventing unnecessary delays in discharge. Crewkerne plays a vital role in that system.

“I submitted this question because I want to see a clear and transparent assessment of what the Government’s Ten Year Health Plan really means for community hospitals like Crewkerne. The Minister’s reply offers no local reassurance, and no evidence that these decisions are being guided by patient outcomes in rural areas.

“As I’ve said before, changes like this cannot be made behind closed doors. The public must be properly consulted. Crewkerne residents deserve the full facts and a real say in the future of their local services.”

Mr Dance has also called for any major decisions affecting hospital beds to be subject to full and formal public consultation, rather than informal “engagement exercises” alone.

Liberal Democrats are campaigning nationally for a long-term plan to fix the care crisis, including proper investment in community services, fair pay for care workers, and full integration of health and social care.

Mr Dance added:

“As a Liberal Democrat, I believe in accessible, joined-up care that meets local needs. I will keep pressing both NHS Somerset and ministers to protect community services and make decisions based on what’s best for patients — not just spreadsheets.”