Mental health patients in eastern Somerset are being relocated more than 20 miles away to a brand new unit near one of the county’s main hospitals.

The NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) voted in August 2020 to close the St. Andrew’s mental health ward in Wells and relocate all patients to a new stand alone ward on Preston Road in Yeovil, a short distance from the town’s acute hospital.

The transition was repeatedly postponed, partially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, and prompted a huge backlash from local residents and health campaigners, who stated in 2022 that the newly-created Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) would have “blood on their hands” as a result.

NHS Somerset has now confirmed that final preparations at the new ward have been completed, with 15 in-patient beds being laid on.

The decision to relocate the service was driven by the long distances that patients within the Wells ward had to travel to Bath, Taunton or Yeovil to receive emergency physical healthcare support, as well as the availability of staff both during normal shifts and out-of-hours cover.

The new ward has been constructed next to the adjoining Rowan ward (which has also been refurbished), with the 15 inpatient beds being prioritised for those with “acute mental health needs”.

Hazel Armstrong, clinical services manager for both Rowan wards, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to welcome our patients from St Andrew’s this week.

“A lot of thought and hard work has gone in to the build and refurbishment of both of our wards.

“We’re looking forward to working closely with our teams, to provide the best standard of care.

“We know that it isn’t an easy move for some of our patients and their loved ones, and our teams will be on hand to welcome and support our patients in their transition on to the new ward.

“We are very mindful about the potential impact of this move, and we will continue to work alongside people that matter for our patients, and maintain the close links that we have with local mental health services in the former Mendip area.”

Each patient on both Rowan wards will benefit from an en-suite bedroom, an activity room, a communal lounge (including a separate female lounge), a dining room, outdoor space, private quiet spaces, a family room, a gym, and a kitchen.

Multi-disciplinary teams are located on-site to cover both wards and provide 24/7 “safe and compassionate care”.

The team includes specialist mental health doctors, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, health care assistants, service assistants, ward clerks, and activity organisers.

Ward manager Claire Cook said: “We know that every patient’s needs are different.

“We work with patients and the people who matter to them the most, alongside our multi-disciplinary teams to provide individualised care to support patients in their recovery.

“The relocation to Yeovil enables us to provide safer care for our patients, with additional access to 24-hour medical cover, seven days a week, as well as being a lot closer to Yeovil Hospital.”

In Wells, NHS Somerset is currently undertaking work to consolidate services at the Priory Health Park site into the vacated Phoenix ward and St Andrew’s ward – with a view to this work being completed by 2027.

Chief medical officer Bernie Marden said: “After years of careful planning
and hard work, it is really positive to see the opening of the specially designed ward in Yeovil.

“The relocation has always been about ensuring we are able to provide safer, better-quality care to those most in need, as well as being able to provide greater resilience and ensuring that patients receive the best care possible.

“In Somerset our focus is on pro-actively supporting individuals’ mental health needs at a local, community level.

“Providing more support for people in their own homes or community settings. We believe that this is an important part of the recovery process.”

The new Labour government is expected to make further changes to mental health provision during the current parliament.

The King’s speech, delivered on July 17, promised that mental health would be “treated on a par with physical health”, with possible reforms to the Mental Health Act 1983 and additional support for children and young people.