Somerset’s MPs have come together in strong opposition to the closure of Yeovil Hospital’s maternity services, branding the decision “disgraceful.” On May 12, the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust announced that the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) would close for at least six months starting May 19. This move follows concerns raised in a Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection of the paediatric services earlier this year.
Adam Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, led protests outside the hospital as the closure took effect, vowing to fight for the unit’s reopening. Other Somerset MPs joined the cause during a recent House of Commons debate, urging the government to review the decision and collaborate with the trust to restore maternity services swiftly.
The government has pledged to work with local health authorities to address staff recruitment challenges and improve community consultation. Mr. Dance praised Yeovil Hospital’s dedicated staff for their hard work but condemned the abruptness of the closure, stating that the lack of clear communication had “created huge fear and anger” in the community and might put lives at risk.
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He revealed that the hospital trust attributed the closure to high levels of sickness among senior staff, which was reportedly caused by work-related stress, toxic culture, and management bullying. Recruitment efforts after the CQC inspection were described by Mr. Dance as “lacklustre,” forcing reliance on temporary locum staff. Yeovil Hospital delivers nearly 1,300 babies annually, averaging almost four births daily.
Criticism also focused on poor communication: some staff learned about the closure just six days prior—some via official channels, others from social media. Expectant parents were reportedly given inadequate warning or detailed information, adding to their distress.
Rachel Gilmour MP (Lib Dem, Tiverton and Minehead) warned that the closure would increase pressure on neighbouring hospitals, including Tiverton, which had previously struggled with capacity issues. Conservative MP Sir Ashley Fox expressed concerns over the ability of Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton to absorb extra births, highlighting the precarious state of its own maternity services.
Gideon Amos MP (Lib Dem, Taunton and Wellington) has advocated for the rebuilding of Musgrove’s maternity unit, a project delayed until at least 2033. Mr. Dance echoed worries that expecting the overstretched Musgrove unit to handle Yeovil’s cases is unrealistic and risks overwhelming already overburdened staff. He also raised alarms about the potential knock-on effects on Yeovil’s emergency department.
The temporary closure has reportedly made some prospective parents reconsider having children due to stress and perceived risks. Mr. Dance called on the Department of Health and Social Care to thoroughly review the trust’s decision-making process. Anna Sabine MP (Lib Dem, Frome and East Somerset) also emphasized the need for extensive consultation when altering local healthcare services.
The closure has stoked fears that Yeovil Hospital may be downgraded to a smaller “cottage hospital,” a prospect that has residents deeply worried and angry. Sarah Dyke MP (Lib Dem, Glastonbury and Somerton) condemned years of cuts under the Conservative government for weakening health services. She shared concerns from local expectant parents forced to seek care much farther from home, demanding clarity and reassurance.
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Secondary Care, acknowledged the challenges and confirmed she had engaged with trust representatives and the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board. She stressed the temporary nature of the closure, assured that women affected have been supported in making alternative plans, and committed to regular reviews of the situation. Smyth highlighted efforts to improve NHS staff recruitment and retention, especially among midwives, to prevent similar disruptions.
She emphasized that any permanent service change must prioritize patient safety and be informed by clear evidence. The government intends to keep lines of communication open with Somerset MPs and communities to navigate this difficult period while safeguarding vital maternity care.