The temporary closure of maternity services at Yeovil Hospital has left expectant mothers across South Somerset in a state of uncertainty. Local residents and officials fear this pause could lead to a permanent shutdown, eroding trust and causing anxiety within the community.
Conservative councillor Faye Purbrick, representing Yeovil South, has voiced serious concerns about the prolonged closure. “Safe maternity services at Yeovil Hospital are essential—and I’m sure everyone recognises their importance,” she stated. “Yet, the so-called ‘temporary’ shutdown is increasingly viewed as a step toward a permanent closure.”
Drawing from personal experience, Cllr Purbrick empathized deeply with affected families. “It’s been years since I gave birth at Yeovil Hospital, but I can only imagine how frightening it must be now to face the possibility that the hospital can’t provide care,” she said. “While hospital staff are supporting women as best they can, the fear and uncertainty among local families must not be overlooked.”
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The hospital’s birthing unit was closed on May 19 after failing to meet staffing standards in its paediatrics department. In the meantime, pregnant women are being redirected to facilities in Taunton or Dorchester. However, Cllr Purbrick insists this arrangement is neither sustainable nor fair. “Taunton and Dorchester are not realistic long-term solutions for South Somerset mothers,” she explained. “We urgently need a clear, transparent plan to safely restore Yeovil’s birthing services, along with regular updates about how this will be achieved.”
Somerset health authorities have indicated that a decision on reopening Yeovil’s maternity services will not be made until late summer. The NHS Somerset Foundation Trust had announced the closure after receiving a warning from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) regarding care standards in the birthing and special care baby units (SCBU).
Meanwhile, local MP Adam Dance has emerged as a vocal advocate for reopening, organizing a peaceful protest outside the hospital on the closure’s first day. He has pledged to call for resignations within the trust’s senior leadership if no reversal occurs.
Jonathan Higman, chief executive of the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board, has assured the community that every effort will be made to restore the maternity services. However, he emphasized that decisions await the completion of a formal report expected by mid-August. Until then, the future of Yeovil’s maternity care remains uncertain, leaving local families worried and watchful.