Yeovil District Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and inpatient maternity services will temporarily close for an initial period of six months, due to serious concerns about the safety of paediatric care.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust made the announcement following a critical Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection in January, which resulted in a Section 29A warning notice. The notice identified the need for “significant improvement” in the hospital’s paediatric services.
Dr Melanie Iles, Chief Medical Officer for the Trust, expressed regret over the decision, acknowledging the disruption it will cause.
“This is a very difficult decision that we have not taken lightly,” said Dr Iles. “We have made it after careful consideration, and a clinical assessment of those services, in discussion with NHS partners. I want to personally say sorry to local people who are affected by these temporary closures.”
The closures, which took effect from 5pm on Monday 19 May, have been further driven by high levels of sickness among senior paediatricians, resulting in gaps in staffing rotas. While paediatric inpatient and outpatient services will remain open at Yeovil with support from Musgrove Park Hospital, the Trust says it cannot currently support the SCBU or safely conduct deliveries at the Yeovil Maternity Unit.
Reconfiguration of Services
In light of the closures, expectant mothers booked to give birth at Yeovil are being redirected to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, as well as maternity units in Dorchester and Bath. All pregnant women currently under Yeovil’s care will be contacted by midwives in the coming days to discuss their options.
Outpatient services, including antenatal clinics, midwifery appointments, scans, screening, and home births, will continue at Yeovil Hospital.
Path to Reopening
The Trust is aiming to reopen the units after six months, though it acknowledges this will be challenging. Reopening will be subject to meeting several safety criteria, including sufficient consultant paediatric cover during peak hours, the ability to run a paediatric assessment unit, and the restoration of SCBU support for newborns.
A formal review will be undertaken at the three- and six-month marks, alongside continuous monitoring.
“We are committed to providing safe, high quality and sustainable services for those who need them, but we must address these concerns and need the time and space to do this,” said Dr Iles.
Impact on Dorset Residents and Political Scrutiny
The announcement has sparked concern among local leaders in neighbouring Dorset, where many residents rely on Yeovil for maternity services. Councillor Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, has called for an urgent investigation by the authority’s People and Health Scrutiny Committee.
“The closure may affect access to timely and safe maternity care, increase travel distances for expectant mothers and place additional pressure on neighbouring services,” said Cllr Ireland. “Ensuring transparency and accountability in decisions that affect our residents – regardless of administrative boundaries – is a responsibility we share.”
Councillor Gill Taylor, Cabinet Portfolio Lead for Health and Housing, added that she is “deeply concerned” about the impact on women, children and families in the north and west of the county.
In response, committee chair Councillor Toni Coombs has initiated a broader review into maternity services for women in the Dorset Council area. This will include scrutiny of the Yeovil SCBU closure, the performance of maternity services at Dorset County Hospital, Poole Hospital, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, and Salisbury District Hospital, and an analysis of maternity and SCBU patient statistics.
The committee is expected to meet on 19 June to discuss the matter. Further details and supporting documents are available at: https://shorturl.at/Sv1Sw
Advice for Patients and Service Users
- Antenatal appointments: Continue at Yeovil Hospital as scheduled.
- Birth planning: All women due to give birth at Yeovil will be contacted by the Midwifery team to review alternative arrangements.
- Urgent concerns: If you are worried about your baby, including changes in movement, call Musgrove Park Hospital’s emergency maternity triage at 01823 343985 (24/7).
- New pregnancies: Self-referral for antenatal care remains open via the Yeovil Hospital website.
A helpline has also been set up by NHS Somerset for general enquiries: 0300 303 6409 (Mon–Fri, 8am–6pm). Additionally, feedback can be submitted to the Somerset Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership at somersetmvp@evolvingcommunities.co.uk.
Looking Ahead
The temporary suspension of SCBU and maternity services at Yeovil underscores growing national pressures on NHS maternity care. While temporary, the decision is already prompting regional scrutiny and raising broader questions about the long-term sustainability and safety of paediatric and maternity services across the South West.
