Ahead of today's Somerset Partnership NHS Trust board meeting, MP James Heappey spoke to Chief Executive Peter Lewis to check on the progress of re-opening the beds at Shepton Mallet Community Hospital.
Mr Heappey was reassured to hear that recruiting for nurses is continuing to go well and the Trust are approaching the point at which the re-opening of the beds at Shepton can become possible.
However, Mr Lewis explained that even once nursing numbers are at the required level, the wards still cannot open immediately as nursing rotas will need to be adjusted. This is so that nurses who are working elsewhere are re-assigned back to Shepton.
Mr Lewis reassured Mr Heappey that the Trust continues to work towards re-opening the beds as soon as possible.
Mr Heappey said: “I was grateful for the update ahead of the board meeting this week and am encouraged by the progress the Trust has made this winter.
“This has not been an easy task for the Trust but I am grateful to them for the urgency with which they have been seeking a solution. I look forward to seeing the beds re-opened in the near future.”
Mr Heappey also added that the decision to re-open the beds does not need to be taken in a full, formal board meeting. This means local campaigners and residents should not be concerned that the next board meeting is not until May.
The decision can be taken as soon as nursing numbers are back to the appropriate level.