Jonathan Higman, NHS Somerset Chief Executive, said: “We recognise that the announcement to temporarily close the unit at Yeovil District Hospital is deeply concerning for local people and staff alike, particularly as the decision had to be taken so quickly. Somerset Foundation Trust have told us that they are committed to providing safe, high quality and sustainable services for those who need them, they recognise the disruption caused by this change and we apologise to anyone who is affected by these changes.
“As the commissioner of these services for the local population, NHS Somerset has been working closely with the Trust to assure ourselves as to their ability to safely provide the maternity service in Yeovil following the CQC inspection in January and we continue to work closely with them to support and oversee the improvements required as they work to reopen the service in a safe and sustainable way. This includes actively trying to recruit to key clinical roles in the hospital.
“While it is not possible at this stage to provide a definitive date that the service will reopen, through our contractual mechanisms we have formally asked the Trust to provide a mid-point report on their progress towards reinstating the service to the ICB on Tuesday 19 August 2025. We will review the progress in detail and provide a formal update in early September. We will also continue to support the Trust in any way we can to expedite the reinstatement of the service.
“Since the announcement earlier this week, we have been closely monitoring public and patient concerns and raising those with teams in Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and have set up a helpline which has been supporting women and birthing people to get the support and advice they need.
“We know this is an area of significant concern and remain committed to working with the Trust to reopen services. We will also continue investing in local services for both our hospitals in Somerset, including our commitment to a fully functioning district general hospital in Yeovil. The changes to stroke services in Somerset will mean better emergency treatment, reduced disability, fewer deaths, and better recovery for stroke patients. They involve investing in the Acute Stroke Unit at Yeovil Hospital.
“We are keen to work with local people and stakeholders in Yeovil and surrounding areas to listen to local concerns and are proud of the ongoing investment programme. For example, last autumn Somerset NHS Foundation Trust welcomed the first patients to the Maple Unit – a new breast cancer unit, which marked the first ever unit of its kind at Yeovil Hospital. Other investments include the planned opening later this year of a new diagnostic centre adjacent to the Yeovil Hospital site – this will be a state-of-the-art stand-alone facility adjacent to the hospital and will provide over 70,000 diagnostic tests and outpatient appointments a year, over seven days a week.”
