In recent times the Somerset NHS Partnership has met with county councillors and district councillors, and have been summoned to explain why they closed the ward at Minehead Hospital.

It has stated that although it had vacancies, some for up to two years, it was anxious to confirm it was trying to fill the vacancies.

It was suggested to Nic Broughton as the head of the partnership that it attend the recent jobs fair which was held at the Beach Hotel in Monday last Friday (February 24).

Having had assurances from the partnership that it would attend and promote the vacancies it currently has at Minehead Hospital, I thought I would pop down and see how it was getting on finding staff for our hospital.

I arrived ten minutes before the fair finished and was pleased to find the partnership was in attendance - a great result or so I thought.

I went to its stand and told the HR team: “I am a nurse, do you have any jobs in Minehead?” “Could you travel to Taunton?” came the reply.

Again I asked: “Do you have any nurse jobs in Minehead? “No” came the reply.

After being advised there were no nurse jobs in Minehead, I then introduced myself and said I would contact Nic Broughton and Andy Heron at the partnership.

While I was talking to the hotel manager, I saw outside the HR manager walk outside as if she was looking for me; I went outside and she was apologetic and advised me there was a vacancy for one nurse at Minehead.

But this was too late - the event finished four minutes later, and another opportunity of jobs being filled had been lost. I think I see a trend here.

Bryan Leaker, Minehead.