Mental Health and Community Services in Somerset and Bath
Access to comprehensive healthcare requires a coordinated effort between national health trusts, private providers, and charitable organizations. In the regions of Somerset and Bath, the delivery of mental health and community services is managed through a complex network of partnerships designed to balance clinical efficiency with patient accessibility.
NHS Mental Health Provision
Mental health services within the region are primarily delivered by three key organizations: the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, and the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
Specialized Care for Children and Adolescents
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)—specialized support for young people—are structured into different levels of care. Since April 2010, the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has managed tiers 3 and 4 (the most specialized levels) of CAMHS in Bath and North East Somerset. This service, which was previously operated mainly by the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, is jointly funded by the NHS and the local authority.
Community Health Infrastructure and Evolution
The Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG)—the body responsible for planning local health services—has implemented several strategic changes to optimize community care. One major shift involved the reduction of community hospital beds; while 312 beds were available in 2014, the CCG determined that 210 were sufficient to meet local needs.
To improve patient outcomes, the CCG planned a health campus in Shepton Mallet. This facility is designed to provide surgical and diagnostic services alongside medical assessment beds, emphasizing collaboration between the service provider and local voluntary groups and charities.
In January 2020, further restructuring occurred with the announcement to close the 14-bed St Andrews unit in Wells. This service was relocated to Yeovil to be closer to the hospital, while new "crisis cafes"—low-barrier support centers—were established in Wells and Bridgwater to provide immediate community assistance.
Private and Integrated Service Providers
The delivery of community services has seen a transition toward integrated models provided by external partners to ensure care is more "joined up" and preventative.
Virgin Care and Sirona Care & Health
In December 2016, Virgin Care secured a seven-year contract as the prime provider for community services in Bath and North East Somerset at an annual cost of £69.2 million. These services, many of which were previously managed by Sirona Care & Health, include:
- Adult social work and public health nursing
- Integrated reablement (helping patients regain independence)
- Speech and language therapy
- Continuing healthcare and children's community health
By 2021, these provisions expanded to include school nursing, immunisation services, outpatients' clinics, and two community hospitals. An extension of this contract to 2027 is expected to cost £54.5 million per year.
Meanwhile, Sirona Care & Health won a 10-year adult community services contract starting in April 2020, having previously shared these responsibilities with the Bristol Community Health and North Somerset Community Partnership.
Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Palliative care—specialized medical care for people living with a serious illness—is largely supported by a network of dedicated charities across the county.
| Charity/Hospice | Location(s) |
|---|---|
| St. Margaret's Hospice | Taunton and Yeovil |
| Weston Hospicecare | Weston-super-Mare |
| Children's Hospice South West | Wraxall |
| Dorothy House | Winsley (near Bath) |
Key Facts
- Primary Trusts: Mental health is managed by Somerset NHS, Avon and Wiltshire Partnership, and Oxford Health trusts.
- CAMHS: Tiers 3 and 4 in Bath and North East Somerset are provided by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
- Bed Reductions: Community hospital beds were planned for reduction from 312 to 210.
- Community Hubs: Virgin Care's model focuses on preventative care through hubs aligned with GP practices.
- Palliative Network: Four major charities provide end-of-life care across Taunton, Yeovil, Weston-super-Mare, Wraxall, and Winsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trusts provide NHS mental health services in the region?
Services are provided by the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust, and the Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust.
What changes were made to the St Andrews unit in Wells?
In January 2020, the 14-bed unit was closed and the service moved to Yeovil to be closer to the hospital, while crisis cafes were opened in Wells and Bridgwater.
Who manages the high-tier CAMHS services in Bath and North East Somerset?
The Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust has provided tiers 3 and 4 of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services since April 2010.
What services are included in the Virgin Care community contract?
The contract covers adult social work, public health nursing, integrated reablement, speech and language therapy, continuing healthcare, children's community health, school nursing, and immunisations.
Where can patients access palliative care in the county?
Palliative care is available through St. Margaret's Hospice (Taunton and Yeovil), Weston Hospicecare (Weston-super-Mare), Children's Hospice South West (Wraxall), and Dorothy House (Winsley).