Yeovil MP Adam Dance has strongly criticised Somerset NHS Foundation Trust for the abrupt closure of the town’s maternity and Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), highlighting the severe impact on local families and healthcare staff. The closure, which took effect on May 19, came without any confirmed timeline for reopening, a situation the Liberal Democrat MP calls “deeply unsettling and unacceptable.”
Following a Care Quality Commission (CQC) report identifying serious safety issues, the Trust suspended inpatient maternity services and redirected all births and urgent care to hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, and Bath. Despite repeated requests, Mr Dance has been unable to secure firm assurances from the Trust about when or if the services at Yeovil Hospital will resume.
“The people of Yeovil deserve more than vague promises; they need reliable services and transparent communication,” said Mr Dance. He further warned that diverting patients to already overstretched hospitals risks further straining staff and compromising care quality.
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Concerns raised by local residents about poor management and unsafe conditions within Yeovil’s maternity unit underscore the urgent need for open dialogue and swift action. “This is not just about facilities; it’s about rebuilding trust, which has been seriously undermined,” he added.
Dr Melanie Iles, Chief Medical Officer for the Trust, acknowledged the decision was difficult but necessary due to significant staff shortages, especially among senior paediatricians. “High sickness levels have created gaps in rotas that make running the SCBU and maternity unit unsafe,” she explained. She reassured that outpatient antenatal services and home births would continue at Yeovil Hospital.
The Trust is collaborating with the Somerset Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership and neighbouring NHS trusts to ensure continuity of care for affected patients. A dedicated helpline (0300 303 6409) has been established for those with concerns.
Dr Iles expressed sincere apologies to all impacted by the changes and emphasized the commitment to restoring safe, high-quality, and sustainable maternity services at Yeovil as soon as possible.