38. Somerset
In October 2018, the chief executives of NHS England and NHS Improvement wrote to all STP leaders instructing them to come up with new five year plans by autumn 2019. The new five-year plans will replace those which were drawn-up in 2016 based on the previous five-year funding settlement to 2020-21. The new five year STP will be developed based on a new NHS England budget.
The letter notes that “It will be extremely important that you develop your plans with the proper engagement of all parts of your local systems and that they provide robust and credible solutions for the challenges you will face in caring for your local populations over the next five years.”
NOTE: The information on this page relates to the original STP drawn up in 2016, however much of the information is still relevant and could be part of the new STP.
What concerns have been raised about your STP?
Health planners are trying to reduce NHS deficits and think about ways to re-organise care. However getting the large deficit under control could prevent facilities being developed that can cope with the health and care social needs of local people.
Proposed changes
Weston General Hospital A&E department has been closed overnight due to staffing shortages, hospital bosses made their decision following severe criticism about substandard patient care from the CQC that noted that some patients were being treated in corridors. This has led to fears that the hospital will be downgraded and lose its A&E and critical care service.
There are concerns over the future of the maternity unit at Bridgwater Hospital.
Changes in who organises our care
Somerset is to develop as an accountable care system that the STP indicates will save money and help eliminate the deficit. Budgets for NHS and social care will be combined and a provider/s will deliver services through an outcome-based contract.