MPs unite against decision to close hospital baby unit

SOMERSET’S MPs have united to criticise the “disgraceful” closure of Yeovil Hospital's maternity services.

- DANIEL MUMBY Local democracy journalist

The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust announced on May 12 that it would be closing Yeovil Hospital’s special care baby unit (SCBU) for a minimum of six months from May 19, following numerous concerns raised in an inspection of the hospital’s paediatric services by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) in January.

Adam Dance, the Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has opposed the closure, staging a protest outside the hospital as the decision came into force and vowing to do everything possible to reopen the facility.

Somerset's other MPs have now rallied around Mr Dance in a House of Commons debate, calling on the government to review the decision and work with the trust to reopen the service as soon as possible.

The government has said it would work with local health bosses to address the problem and was committed to tackling more widespread issues with staff recruitment and a lack of consultation with local residents. Mr Dance - who also represents South Petherton and Islemoor on Somerset Council - began the adjournment debate last Tuesday evening (June 3) by praising the hospital’s “fantastic” staff for their “hard work” leading up to the closure.

He added: “The temporary closure of the SCBU means that the hospital will also be unable to safely provide care during labour and birth at the maternity unit, meaning that the unit is effectively closed.

“Care of pregnant people due to give birth will now be transferred to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, the Royal United Hospital in Bath or Salisbury Hospital.”

Mr Dance said senior leaders at the trust had “been unable to give assurance” that the service could reopen in early-2026, adding: “The safety of mothers and their babies must come first, but the way in which the decision was reached and implemented has been disgraceful. It has created huge fear and anger in Yeovil and may put people’s health at risk.