A DEMONSTRATION was held in Frome recently against the planned closure of the last dedicated mental health ward in Mendip.
St Andrew’s Ward in Wells is expected to close in 2022, with its 14 beds relocated to a new building in Yeovil.
The Save St Andrew’s Ward Campaign says that the closure is short-sighted and is calling on the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group to retain the ward and keep services local.
The protest came to Frome on Saturday 11th September at the Boyle Cross.
“The event went off brilliantly, there were 25 protesters including a majority from Frome,” said member of the Save St Andrew’s Ward Campaign, Dave Chapple. “It shows that the closure of the last mental health ward in Mendip, even though it is in Wells, is of concern to Frome people!
“The event included some street theatre as well as ‘stump’ oratory, and was well supported by local trade unionists, Frome Labour Party and independent mental health professionals and mental health campaigners.”
St Andrew’s Ward, which predominantly provides services for people who live in the Mendip area, has 14 beds that provide assessment and treatment primarily for adults of working age who are experiencing an acute mental health problem.
To support the campaign’s petition, which has over 3,000 signatures, visit the website: www. change.org/p/somerset-clinical-commissioning-group-save-st-andrew-s-ward-wells-from-closure
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