Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has condemned the ongoing maternity care crisis in Somerset as “absolutely shameful” during a visit to a baby sensory class in Ilminster. Accompanied by Yeovil MP Adam Dance on September 12, Mr. Davey met with new parents affected by the closure of maternity services at Yeovil District Hospital (YDH).
The hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and inpatient maternity ward were temporarily closed in May due to safety and staffing concerns. Although Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed plans to reopen these critical services, the absence of a clear timeline has left families and healthcare staff in uncertainty. Since the closure, nearly 300 babies have been born at alternative locations, with some mothers forced to travel up to an hour to Dorchester or Taunton to deliver.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Davey highlighted the crucial role local maternity services play in families' lives. “Meeting with parents underscored how deeply local facilities matter,” he said. “While it’s encouraging that the unit will reopen, the lack of a firm timetable leaves many questions unanswered. This is two cheers, not three.”
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Mr. Dance echoed concerns, emphasizing that without a clear reopening date, staff morale and public confidence are at risk. “Expectant parents should never face long journeys in labor or live in uncertainty,” he said. “We need transparency and urgent action.”
Parents shared emotional testimonies about the impact of the closure. Joy Woolward, whose partner was born in Yeovil, said, “Yeovil Hospital was our first choice because it’s just 15 minutes away. The closure has been devastating. My partner’s sister was even turned away twice from Dorchester because it was full.”
Charley Morris, who endured a high-risk pregnancy and gave birth via caesarean section, praised Yeovil’s staff for their support even when short-staffed. “Losing this facility is a real blow to our community,” she said.
Rural resident Pippa Fry recalled her positive experience birthing at Yeovil, including the use of the birthing pool and extended breastfeeding support. “Now, traveling an hour to other hospitals during labor adds unbearable pressure,” she added.
The Trust plans to reveal a formal reopening plan by October, contingent on safety assessments. The May closure followed a Care Quality Commission (CQC) rating of “inadequate” for YDH’s paediatric services, highlighting staffing and emergency preparedness issues.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for full adoption of the Ockenden Review’s maternity care recommendations and have criticized proposed national maternity funding cuts, from £95 million in 2024–25 to just £2 million the following year.
Statistics from NHS Resolution reveal 63 families sued NHS Somerset for maternity care between April 2019 and April 2024, with £45.3 million paid in damages to 41 families.
Mr. Davey expressed concern that forcing mothers to seek care farther from home only worsens risks compounded by understaffing and funding shortages. He praised frontline healthcare workers but criticized management and resource cuts for leaving them stretched thin.
Mr. Dance voiced solidarity with frightened and frustrated families and staff, calling for answers and swift restoration of maternity services.
The Trust states it is making good progress recruiting consultant paediatricians and aims to publish a reopening date soon. Meanwhile, parents like Charley, Joy, and Pippa remain anxious over the uncertain future.
Pippa summed up the situation: “This isn’t just about distance—it’s about safety, comfort, and knowing you have trustworthy support nearby when it matters most.”
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust CEO Peter Lewis explained the closures were linked to paediatric—not maternity—concerns. He emphasized progress on a county-wide paediatric service is key to reopening maternity services safely.
Improvements are underway at YDH, including essential fire door installations, enhanced security, and plans for a dedicated obstetric recovery area.
Lewis acknowledged the upheaval affecting families and staff, affirming the Trust’s commitment to restoring high-quality, safe care. He also thanked partner organizations and independent groups for their collaboration during this challenging period.