MP calls for more services at Melksham Hospital
Dr Brian Mathew MP calls for NHS community audiology and hearing tests in Melksham to end long trips to Bath
Dr Brian Mathew, MP for Melksham and Devizes, is calling for additional services at Melksham Hospital including NHS community audiology and hearing tests. Currently, patients in Melksham and the surrounding area are being sent to the Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath for hearing tests.
Community audiology is made available by 14 Integrated Care Boards (ICB) in England, but not by the Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire ICB - which covers Melksham. Community audiology is also typically about 15-25% cheaper to provide than when it is offered in large hospitals such as the RUH.
Dr Mathew stressed that the long travel times, poor public transport and undue stress caused by travelling to the RUH, could be leading to some patients not getting the care they require. Over the last year, Dr Mathew has handled more than 300 pieces of health-related casework via his office and has heard of waits of more than 12 months for audiology appointments at the RUH.
The ICB confirmed that its new contract with HCRG Care Group, who deliver many services at Melksham Hospital, includes the development of a community audiology pathway and agreed to examine how this could be provided in Melksham.
Dr Mathew urged that this be prioritised to prevent residents making unnecessary and lengthy trips to Bath.
This was raised at a meeting on Friday (14th November) with local health leaders, clinicians, councillors and community groups gathered at Melksham Assembly Hall for a strategic meeting convened by Dr Mathew to discuss the future direction of healthcare in Melksham. The aim was to bring key decision-makers into one room, ensure greater transparency, and push for clear commitments as the town’s needs grow.
Dr Mathew opened the meeting by stressing the need for progress: “We know that services in Melksham need improving, and I am determined to work with everyone to achieve this.’
Following the meeting, Dr Mathew said: “This strategic meeting was vital to bring together all the interested parties including the Friends of Melksham Hospital. Patients in Melksham face frequent time-consuming trips to the RUH in Bath or the Great Western in Swindon. Public transport outside of core hours is far too patchy for people in Melksham to rely on – we need to see improved and expanded services in the town. Bringing NHS audiology to Melksham would be a welcome start.”
Understanding Melksham’s Growing Needs
Melksham and it’s surrounding villages now have a combined population of over 25,000, expected to exceed 30,000 by the early 2030s. The town’s growth is nearly double the Wiltshire average and its population is older than both county and national averages, with 23% aged over 65. Several parts of north Melksham fall within the second-most deprived national decile.
New housing and three planned care homes will add further pressure. Transport continues to be a barrier, with no evening buses to Chippenham or Trowbridge and only one daily service to the RUH.
Local GPs, represented by doctors and partners from Giffords and Spa Medical Centres in Melksham and Bradford on Avon Health Centre, outlined current service pressures. The ICB detailed its “neighbourhood health” approach in line with the NHS 10-Year Plan, including shifting more care into the community and reviewing urgent and emergency pathways, including Minor Injuries Units.
NHS Property Services Update
NHS Property Services confirmed that work to improve the car park at Melksham Hospital is currently out to tender, with construction planned to begin in early 2026. They also stated that no changes are planned to the hospital building itself until there is agreement from the ICB on which new services will be delivered from the site.
Who Attended
Attendees included Melksham Without Parish Council, Melksham Town Council, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for Public Health, NHS Property Services, Friends of Melksham Hospital, Wiltshire Council’s strategic partnership team, the ICB’s Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Place, HCRG Care Group, and local GP partners.
The meeting gave local stakeholders an opportunity to question the ICB and HCRG directly and represents an important step towards securing the expanded, accessible healthcare services Melksham residents urgently need.
ENDS