SOMERSET leaders are continuing to react to the closure of maternity services at Yeovil Hospital – with two county MPs launching petitions calling for ‘immediate action’ to re-open the facilities.
Yesterday (May 13), the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust announced it cannot currently run the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and provide care during labour and birth at the Yeovil Maternity Unit for an initial period of six months.
The announcement sparked shock and concern, including among MPs, with Adam Dance (Lib Dem, Yeovil) and Sarah Dyke (Lib Dem, Glastonbury & Somerton) launching petitions against the decision.
READ MORE: Shock as Yeovil hospital closes maternity units amid safety concerns
In response to the announcement, 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.”
Mr Dance’s and Ms Dyke’s Yeovil Hospital petitions call for:
* A firm and publicly communicated timeline for the reopening of Yeovil Hospital’s maternity unit.
* Immediate measures to address staffing shortages and governance issues within the hospital’s paediatric services.
* A comprehensive and actionable plan to ensure the safety and quality of maternity services upon reopening.
* Full transparency and regular updates from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to the local community regarding the status and progress of the maternity unit.
The petition is online at yeovil-libdems.org.uk/maternity-unit-campaign.
Sarah Dyke has launched a petition to ‘save Yeovil maternity services’
This is absolutely ridiculous!! I know family and friends who have worked in maternity for years and have worked so hard. This closure makes its sound like they have been inadequate when it’s because of staffing levels on a different department that they can’t be without. I’m devastated for my family and friends who are confused and upset by this sudden closure, they had no idea it was coming!
No good opening a unit that is clearly failing in its duty of care to mothers. Get it sorted first. Really bad show to try and get it open until it’s safe to do so. Mp should know better.
Shocking. The decision makers should be ashamed of themselves.
Our community deserves better.
Shocking news. It’s so wrong.