The closure of the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital has sparked concerns from Dorset MP Chris Loder. Loder alleges that the new stroke services at Dorset County Hospital may not be ready before the existing services at Yeovil Hospital are shut down in May 2025.
Under the proposed changes, hyper-acute stroke patients will be transported to either Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton or Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester. While the acute stroke provision at Yeovil will remain, residents fear longer journey times and heightened risks for patients in need of emergency treatment.
The decision, approved by the NHS Somerset integrated care board, has drawn significant backlash from Somerset residents. It is estimated to cost around £4m out of the health revenue budget, with £1.8m allocated for creating new facilities at Dorset County Hospital.
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In response to the concerns raised, Loder emphasized the potential repercussions for patients who rely on Yeovil’s existing stroke departments. Health campaigner Eva Bryczkowski also highlighted the impact on residents in south and east Somerset, calling attention to the potential increase in poorer health outcomes.
The issue has prompted local councillors, including Councillor Adam Dance and Councillor Sarah Wakefield, to seek formal review and reassurances from NHS Somerset. The final decision on the changes to Yeovil’s stroke services will be revisited by the Somerset integrated care board, with updates expected in the coming months.
The planned closure of the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital has raised extensive concerns and prompted scrutiny from local MPs and health campaigners. The implementation of changes to stroke services is set for May 2025, with implications for patient care and regional healthcare resources.