Westonians have slammed ‘ridiculous’ plans to make the ‘temporary’ overnight closure of the town’s A&E permanent.

Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) last week announced its preferred option for the future of Weston General Hosptial’s emergency department, which would see a similar model to the temporary closure in place.

The CCG hopes to oversee a medically-led A&E between 8am-10pm seven days a week, but with a strengthened GP out-of-hours service and more direct admissions onto hospital wards overnight.

The proposal was set to be rubber stamped by the CCG’s board this week before a public consultation will be launched.

Among five options considered by the CCG was the reintroduction of a 24/7 service, which was last in place in July 2017, but this idea has been put on the back-burner.

Many people took to social media to share their view.

Lester Solway commented: “I think it never intended to keep it open from the day it closed it in July 2017, and it has made excuses after excuses as to why it remains closed.

“Is anyone really surprised though? It’s all about money and not people’s health.”

Abbie Tovey said: “This is ridiculous for a town with a growing population.”

Linda Stevens wrote: “It’s disgraceful. All these new houses being built with lots more people and we can’t have a 24-hour casualty.

“Think it’s time to stop re-electing MPs and councillors and get someone who will do so.”

Melissa Holland said: “I think it is sad they’re putting so many peoples life at risk.

“I feel sorry for the ambulance crews, they’re like a taxi service at the minute.

“They’ve got to go to Taunton or Bristol and then back to Weston.

“We need our A&E back open overnight.”

Christine Tovey commented: “This makes me so angry.

“Why build more and more houses for families to move here and then completely disregard their need and rights for emergency healthcare? It’s a disgrace.”

Jess Walker wrote: “They need to stop building houses as well then; we don’t have the infrastructure to cope with the size of the town anymore.”

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