Wells Community Hospital in Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, United Kingdom | Hospital

Wells Community Hospital, Wells-next-the-Sea, United Kingdom welcomes you. Wells Community  Hospital has been Highly Commended in the prestigious East of England Health and Social Care Awards. We have been recognised with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, a joint nominee, as a successful partnership bringing care closer to people’s homes. The Ultrasound machine, which was given to the Hospital by the League of Friends, is an important part of the formula that has made it possible for consultants and healthcare workers from Queen Elisabeth Hospitalto deliver their clinics at Wells. Matron Louise Bennett and Rowena Barnes from QEH (above on the left), attended the award ceremony on April 29th with Trust Chairman, Jonathan Hazell, who said “It has always been Louise’s vision that the Hospital should be more than just a well loved building, that it should continue to care for patients whether in Hospital or at home. Exciting new developments in technology, like the ultrasound machine, will play an important role in the development of Wells Hospital, but we will always first and foremost be there for the patients, their families and those that care for them.”

Wells Community Hospital belongs to and is managed by a new charitable trust called Wells Hospital and Hospice Trust. Day to day running of the Hospital will be managed by a new NHS-approved (Social Enterprise) company.

Ownership of the Hospital buildings and site, in Wells-next-the-Sea is in the process of being transferred to the charitable trust. During the transfer period, the premises are leased to the trust.

NHS run Physiotherapy has continued throughout the bed closure and transfer of ownership. It is a marvellous facility and will form the backbone of the new rehabilitation service.

Services at the Hospital are offered to allcomers but most appointments and procedures are booked by local GPs and consultants within the NHS. Wells Community Hospital is an independent Hospital which provides mainly NHS care, at no direct cost to patients.

To be seen or treated at Wells Community Hospital, ask your GP or consultant to refer you here (see our services listing for more details).

A brief background

Wells & District Cottage Hospital closed its 12 in-patient beds in December 2004. The closure was met by an immediate and vigourous local campaign to save the Hospital, resulting in the formation of a stakeholder group to investigate possibilities for the Hospital's future and a consultation process between the community, the stakeholder group and the NHS Primary Care Trusts responsible for healthcare provision in the area. This led to the formation of a Charitable Trust to own and run the Hospital and subsequently a Project Group created jointly with the (then) West Norfolk and North Norfolk Primary Care Trusts to assist the transition.