Save Yeovil Maternity Unit

Launching her campaign to save Yeovil Maternity Unity, Sarah Dyke said, "I am greatly concerned by the recent decision by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to impose a temporary six-month suspension of the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and inpatient maternity services at Yeovil District Hospital. This will have a detrimental impact on patient outcomes, and I am worried it could become a permanent closure unless urgent action is taken. 

Maternity units across the country have been underfunded for years due to Conservative Government cuts to rural health services. The trust needs to be given the funding and resources it requires to properly staff the maternity unit and to provide a safe environment for women to give birth to their children."

Sarah is calling 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.

Sarah said “I will not compromise on my commitment to ensure the highest-level quality of care for all residents of Glastonbury and Somerton.”