Adam Dance MP submits renewed call for intervention on Yeovil stroke unit closure

Adam Dance, Member of Parliament for Yeovil, has submitted a second formal call-in request to the Secretary of State for Health, Wes Streeting, urging him to reconsider the decision to close the Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU) at Yeovil District Hospital.

The request comes after new evidence raised serious questions about the impact of longer travel times on patient outcomes, the dismissal of alternative proposals, and a rising number of stroke cases expected in the region.

Adam said:

“Since my first call-in request was rejected, even more data has emerged showing how dangerous this closure could be for people in Yeovil and South Somerset.

“We now know that under the new plans, data suggests only 13 percent of Yeovil stroke patients would be treated within the 180-minute target if taken to Taunton. That compares to 74 percent currently treated on time at Yeovil. These are not just statistics; these are people’s lives and chances of recovery.

“The NHS claims that closing this unit is in the best interests of patients, but this data tells a different story. I have also made clear that viable alternatives, like trialling a five-day-a-week unit in Yeovil, were not properly explored.

“Public opposition continues to grow, with over 12,000 people signing the petition to keep Yeovil’s stroke unit open. I’ve been joined by neighbouring MPs and dozens of councillors from across Somerset who all share these concerns.

“The government must listen to local voices and act on the evidence. I’ve urged the Health Secretary to use his powers to step in, pause the closure, and demand a proper review. This is about fairness, safety, and saving lives.”

Adam Dance’s renewed call-in request sets out four material changes in circumstance since the first decision:

New evidence on dangerous travel times

Inadequate consideration of clinical alternatives

Forecast growth in stroke admissions

Widespread and growing public opposition

He has also been backed by neighbouring MPs and a group of more than 30 Somerset councillors.