A RESCUE bid for the in-patient unit at a Somerset hospice forced to close due to funding pressures is to be considered.

Earlier this week, St Margaret’s Yeovil Hospice announced it will close the department as part of plans to "remodel" its services - putting around 45 jobs at risk.

The charity's board of trustees agreed to close the in-patient beds at its Yeovil site to "ensure St Margaret’s long-term sustainability - both of its services to the community and its financial outlook".

Now, Yeovil Town Council has revealed that at their next meeting, councillors will be considering whether they are able to provide funding and support to keep the inpatient unit open.

Cllr Graham Oakes, chair of the Policy Resource and Finance Committee, said "The hospice in-patient unit plays a crucial role in delivering high quality care and support for local people when they most need it.

READ MORE: Plans to close in-patient unit at Somerset hospice approved

"The proposal to close the Yeovil unit and open four more beds in Taunton is a massive reduction of provision across the county, reduces the real provision in Taunton and creates, in some cases, impossible travel problems for local residents.

"The town council will shortly consider working with other councils to provide funds to help keep these vital beds open."

Yeovil Town Council will be meeting on November 5.