FEARS for the future of Wellington Community Hospital in Bulford have been eased with news that it will again be admitting inpatients in January.

It was feared that beds would be turned over to stroke patients only but Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has announced it ‘will re-open the beds’ following a review. It will be transferring nursing staff back to Wellington.

The trust has also disclosed it will be moving its learning disability team into the hospital at the end of this month. It says: “This will add extra staff and services to the hospital and make it more sustainable going forward.”

County and town councillor Andy Govier has welcomed the decision to return beds to the community. He said: “This is a very welcome announcement and I am delighted that the hospital will be re-opening.

“It is an excellent facility with dedicated and compassionate staff who provide a valuable service to local residents.

“I am also pleased that Somerset Partnership has decided to move some additional services into the hospital and I am hopeful that this promises a bright future for it.”

Annette Cardwell, chairman of the League of Friends, said: “The LoF of Wellington Hospital is delighted and relieved to hear that Wellington Community Hospital will re-open to inpatients and look forward to again being able to support them with its funds.

“However, we do need to be vigilant about the long-term future of the hospital. We owe it to the people of Wellington who over the past 50 years have been so generous in their donations and support, demonstrating their appreciation of having such a facility in the town.

“Sadly there is no such good news on Stratfield House and its use as a dementia day care centre and it seems there is no chance it will survive the closure being imposed by Somerset County Council (SCC).

“It was made absolutely clear by representatives from SCC at meetings last week in the town that this is a decision that will not be reversed, despite a very strong movement within the community.

“The league is very disappointed that it seems we cannot persuade SCC/NHS to change their minds and keep this vital service going.”