Adam Dance MP: “The National Maternity Review Cannot Forget Somerset”

Adam Dance, the Member of Parliament for Yeovil, has today called on the Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP to ensure that Somerset and the South West are not overlooked in the Government’s announced national review into maternity services.

The initial review will reportedly will focus on up to ten of the most at risk maternity units.

Adam Dance is worried that a detailed investigation into Yeovil District Hospital will not be forthcoming as part of a wider national review, following the ongoing disruption caused by the closure of Yeovil Hospital’s Maternity and Special Care Baby Unit.

In a recent House of Commons debate, Adam Dance warned that the sudden closure of Yeovil’s maternity services had “left a dangerous gap in care” and could lead to avoidable harm without urgent intervention.

“Somerset has been hit hard by the loss of services in Yeovil,” said Adam Dance. “We’ve had expectant mothers forced to travel up to an hour for care, neighbouring hospitals overwhelmed, and hard-working staff pushed to their limits. Lessons need to be learned.”

He is now urging the Health Secretary to ensure Somerset is specifically included in the NHS maternity services review announced yesterday.

Adam Dance added: “This is not just about one hospital. This is about the future of safe, accessible maternity care across Somerset. We need urgent answers, immediate investment, and a firm commitment that no more families will be left behind.”