Wells could lose its acute mental health beds under plans put forward by health officials.

The Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) currently funds mental health facilities for people of working age in Yeovil, Taunton and Wells.

Under new proposals now out for consultation, the Wells ward will be closed later in 2020, with all the beds being relocated to Yeovil.

The CCG has said the change would result in better acute medical cover for those with the greatest need.

There are currently four acute mental inpatient wards in Somerset – Rydon Wards 1 and 2 in Taunton (near Musgrove Park Hospital), Rowan Ward in Yeovil (near Yeovil Hospital) and St Andrew's Ward within the Priory Health Park in Wells.

The CCG has carried out a detailed review of how well these facilities are operating, to see how inpatient care can be provided in both the safest and most effective way for patients and staff.

GP Dr Alex Murray said: "Staff across the service in Taunton, Wells and Yeovil are tireless and dedicated in their support for patients, and we recognise and value their commitment very much.

"Our wards in Wells and Yeovil are stand-alone, which means there are no wards close by and so no other staff to support in an emergency when a patient is experiencing a medical or mental health crisis."

St Andrew's Ward in Wells is 22 miles (around 45 minutes' drive) to the nearest emergency department at the Royal United Hospital in Bath – meaning someone could be put at risk if they are physically ill, or cause harm to either themselves or a member of staff.

The CCG argues moving the Wells beds to Yeovil would reduce these risks and enable better treatment and support to be given to patients in need.

The existing Rowan Ward is less than a mile from Yeovil Hospital, and already has 24-hour medical cover – something the Wells ward does not currently enjoy.

The changes will not result in any reduction in the number of beds or the number of staff working within the service.

Dr Murray said: "We know some people who use the service and their families and visitors will be concerned about extra travel times, but we have to ensure that their safety is paramount.

"We will bring together a group of people including transport officers from Somerset County Council to look at how we can support any affected patients and their families."

The proposals form part of the wider Fit For My Future strategy, which aims to change the way health services are commissioned and delivered in Somerset.

More than £13 million will be invested into Somerset's mental health services over the next three years, providing specialist hubs across the country, localised mental health services supported by GPs, and support for young people with eating disorders.

The CCG board met in Taunton on Thursday afternoon (January 16) and approved plans to begin a 12-week consultation on the Wells changes.

Over the next three months, a large number of consultation events will take place – including afternoon and evening drop-in events at all the existing mental health wards on the following dates:

January 30: St Andrew's Ward, Wells

February 13: Rydon Wards 1 and 2, Taunton