Dorset County Hospital (DCH) is proactively preparing to handle a significant rise in births following the unexpected closure of the Yeovil maternity unit on May 19th due to safety concerns. This closure is expected to shift at least 20% of the 1,200–1,300 annual Yeovil births to Dorchester, potentially adding 300 or more Somerset mothers and pushing the unit beyond its 1,800 birth capacity.
Despite the anticipated surge, staff at DCH remain confident and are implementing strategic plans to handle the increased workload. Measures include seconding midwives and staff from Somerset and augmenting local resources in staffing, finance, and space. Anita Thomas, chief operating officer at DCH, emphasized their commitment to safety: “We are not in the business of providing care we feel is unsafe; we are absolutely doing everything we can to protect the safety of those giving birth, their families, and their babies here at DCH.”
This additional pressure coincides with the culmination of a two-year improvement program following a Care Quality Commission review in June 2023 that required enhancements in Dorchester’s maternity services—a process that the hospital asserts has been successfully completed.
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Dorset Council’s vice chair of the people and health scrutiny board, Cllr Jane Somper, praised DCH’s response, calling it “really impressive,” and highlighting the vital nature of maternity services in the region.
Local representatives voiced mixed feelings. Sherborne rural councillor Robin Legg acknowledged Dorchester as a practical choice for Somerset mothers due to proximity, but expressed concern about the possibility of DCH becoming overwhelmed if the demand exceeds estimates. He also doubted Yeovil’s ability to resolve its maternity issues within six months and noted that some families might continue choosing Dorchester even after Yeovil reopens.
Dorchester is no stranger to serving mothers from neighbouring counties; approximately 10% of births historically have come from Somerset, Devon, and East Dorset. Joanna Howarth, Director of Nursing at DCH, shared that the unit began receiving inquiries from Somerset families as soon as Yeovil’s closure was announced. Collaborative planning meetings between the two hospitals are underway to ensure a smooth transition of care.
Pre-birth services for many Somerset families will continue at Yeovil, supplemented by support from Blandford Community Hospital for those nearby. Yeovil staff members have also started visiting Dorchester to familiarize themselves with the unit, with neonatal staff scheduled to visit soon.
While there is a warm, inclusive welcome for Yeovil staff at DCH, concerns remain among some councillors. Yetminster’s Chris Kippax called for clear assurances regarding the reopening of Yeovil’s maternity services, underscoring its critical importance to the wider Dorset community.