Key points for care providers
- We (Somerset Health & Care Academy) are redeveloping the old Bridgwater hospital into an innovative training site, aiming for completion in 2028.
- A training programme is available now, which is mapped to the Care Workforce Pathway Framework and offers diverse courses for care providers in topics including clinical skills and leadership development, and more.
- A social engagement group with provider representation collaborates to ensure the Academy meets workforce needs and invites new members to participate.
What is the Somerset Health & Care Academy?
Some of you will be aware that the former Sedgemoor District Council (now Somerset Council) and its partners were successful in obtaining a £19.7million bid from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for the former Bridgwater Hospital, located in the heart of Bridgwater.
The Grade II listed building, which has been empty since the Community Hospital was built in 2014, will now have a new lease of life as a state-of-the-art Somerset Health & Care Academy. The project will see the main hospital building returned to public use by creating a wholly integrated skills development and learning academy to attract, retain, grow, and upskill our key workers in the health and care sector.
The Academy is a partnership between the council, health, care, and education, working together to make training and innovation easier to access, more relevant and better connected to real jobs.
Crucially for care providers, there are benefits that you can gain for the Academy now and you do not have to wait for the build to complete to take advantage of them.
What have we achieved so far?
Work is progressing on the redevelopment of the old Bridgwater hospital into an innovative Academy site with skills, simulation, flexible training and innovation spaces and a careers hub. As a listed building, it’s a complex process but the aim is for the build to be completed in 2028.
We really look forward to bringing you along on the journey with us as the build develops.
Outside the old Bridgwater Hospital.
What can you benefit from now?
However, the Academy is here to serve all of Somerset and we are already developing and launching training that can be found in our Training Prospectus. This is a continually expanding programme designed with care providers, Skills for Care, the Registered Care Providers Association (RCPA) and commissioners to support the workforce across Somerset and you can access the training now.
Every course has been mapped to the Care Workforce Pathway Framework, giving staff and managers a clear view of how each learning opportunity builds skills, confidence and career progression.
The prospectus and training offer will keep growing throughout the year, with new clinical skills, leadership development, person‑centred care training and statutory modules added as they’re ready and across different locations.
Whether you’re a care worker, micro‑provider or part of a community team, the Academy offers accessible, high-quality training shaped around real practice needs.
You can explore the current offer and check back for new additions or contact the team directly at SomersetHealthandCareAcademy@somersetft.nhs.uk.
Join our engagement group and be a part of developing the Somerset Health & Care Academy into something that truly works for Somerset’s care provider market.
Did you know we also have a social engagement group with provider representation where we work together to ensure the Academy will meet your needs?
The group meets online for one hour every 6 weeks.
We would love to have new members involved so please get in touch.
More information about the Somerset Health & Care Academy is on Somerset Council’s website.
[Pictured: (left to right) Academy Director, Sarah Green and Learning Administration Manager, Katie.]
