Yeovil MP launches petition against maternity ward closure
Somerset health bosses have announced a temporary shutdown
Yeovil's MP has set up a petition, calling for a 'clear and public timeline' for the District Hospital's maternity unit to be reopened.
That's caused real concerns for parents to be in Yeovil and the surrounding areas with families needing to travel to Taunton, Bath or Dorchester for births in the interim period.
Local MP Adam Dance is calling for the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to:
• Provide a clear and publicly communicated timeline for the reopening of Yeovil Hospital’s maternity unit.
• Implement immediate measures to address staffing shortages and governance issues within the hospital’s paediatric services.
• Ensure the safety and quality of maternity services upon reopening.
• Maintain transparent communication with the community regarding the status and progress of the maternity unit.
His petition's been set up online, and he said:
"I am extremely concerned by the decision to close Yeovil Maternity Unit — even if the Trust says it is temporary. Families in Yeovil deserve more than vague promises; they deserve answers, action, and proper access to care."
Mr Dance also raised the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions today (Wednesday 14th May), demanding the Government seek to intervene in this decision.
Somerset Council reaction
The local council has released a statement about the closure of the Yeovil unit, saying it's due to be for an initial period of six months.
Councillor Graham Oakes, Lead Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment at Somerset Council, said:
“Safety must come first, and we understand why Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has taken these actions. However, safe, local healthcare services are vital for our communities, and we are concerned about the impact of this closure on women, children and families in Yeovil and the surrounding areas.
“We will be working closely with our partners to support the Trust to take steps so the unit can be safely reopened as quickly as possible.
“Somerset Council’s Health Visiting service, Stop Smoking Service for pregnant women, and other Children’s Services are already working closely with the hospital to ensure that care of women, their babies and families is prioritised at this time.”