SIR— I read with interest the views of Somerset CCG reference their community hospitals plan to save £5 million (Free Press November 21). In order to achieve this, temporary bed closures at Minehead and Williton hospital could be made permanent - although they have stated they will only be temporary closures, not permanent. Community hospitals would be classified in one of three levels of service: l 'Step Up Units', where patients can be admitted to their community hospital from their home. According to the CCG, this will ensure they have the greatest opportunity to get the best outcome. l 'Step Down Units', where patients can be admitted from hospitals such as Musgrove Park and would be able to also offer outpatient services, so reducing bed blocking at Musgrove Park l 'Health and Well Being Centres', which would have no beds but would provide outpatient services. I am concerned as in West Somerset, earlier this year, the very same CCG tried to close Minehead Minor Injuries Unit during the night; they corrected their error. Re bed closures, we accepted that situation as it was temporary - a temporary bed closure is acceptable but not a permanent one. Minehead itself needs to be both a Step Up Unit and a Step Down Unit - in our catchment areas, we are up to 40 miles away from Musgrove Hospital and some of the Minehead and Williton patients can free up beds at Musgrove for more serious conditions. Approximately eight months ago I met with the CCG chairman Stephen Ladyman and members of his team and I highlighted possible savings of up to £80,000 per annum and other service enhancements for the residents of West Somerset. I was assured they would be looked at; eight months later, services again come under threat. Have they looked at my proposal? Have they heck! Bryan Leaker, Minehead.