The temporary closure of the maternity unit at Yeovil District Hospital is set to be addressed in the House of Commons next week. Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has secured an Adjournment Debate scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, where he will demand clarity from government ministers on the future of local maternity services.
This 30-minute parliamentary session provides a platform for Mr. Dance to raise urgent concerns, pressing for a comprehensive plan to reopen the inpatient maternity unit, which has been shuttered for six months with only six days’ notice. The abrupt closure has sparked significant anxiety among residents across Yeovil and South Somerset.
Mr. Dance has been a consistent advocate for greater transparency, immediate action to resolve staffing shortages, and sustainable strategies to protect maternity care provisions in the area. He emphasized the importance of the upcoming debate, stating, “This is a critical opportunity to highlight Yeovil’s maternity services on the national stage. I will be seeking direct answers and a clear timeline for reopening this essential facility as soon as safety allows.”
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Jonathan Higman, chief executive of the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), recently reaffirmed their commitment to reopening the service but noted that a final decision will await the completion of a formal report expected by mid-August. He clarified that the maternity unit’s closure is separate from any changes to Yeovil’s stroke services and assured that efforts continue to maintain hospital services locally.
Speaking at an ICB meeting on May 22 at Victoria Park Community Centre, Bridgwater, Mr. Higman acknowledged the community’s concerns and stressed that safety was the primary factor behind the decision. He explained, “The rapid closure was necessary to ensure safe inpatient maternity care. While difficult, balancing local access with patient safety was paramount.”
High staff sickness rates among consultant paediatricians and challenges in filling rota gaps were cited as key reasons for the shutdown, with Mr. Higman confirming a minimum six-month closure. Although inpatient services are paused, paediatric outpatient and community maternity services remain operational. The Trust collaborates with neighboring hospitals and the Somerset Maternity Neonatal Care partnership to continue supporting pregnant women, birthing individuals, and newborns during this period.
The public will be able to watch the debate live on Parliament TV.