Faye Purbrick, Conservative councillor for Yeovil South (the area that includes Yeovil Hospital), has issued a clear call for a plan to deliver the safe reopening of maternity services at Yeovil Hospital—warning that the temporary closure is eroding public confidence and fuelling fears of a permanent closure.
Speaking out on behalf of residents across South Somerset, Cllr Purbrick said, “Safe maternity services at Yeovil Hospital are essential—and I’m sure everyone recognises how important that is. But more and more people are now worried that this so-called ‘temporary’ closure is a step towards something more permanent.”
Reflecting on her own experience at Yeovil Hospital maternity unit, she added, “It’s been a long time since my son was born at Yeovil Hospital, and I can only imagine how frightening it would have been to think the hospital wasn’t able to care for me. I know staff are doing everything they can to support and reassure women—but they must also understand the fear and uncertainty local families are now facing.”
The birthing unit at Yeovil Hospital has been temporarily closed since May 19th after failing to meet staffing regulations in its paediatrics service. But with increasing pressure on families forced to travel to Taunton or Dorchester, concerns are growing.
“Neither Taunton nor Dorchester is a realistic long-term solution for pregnant women across South Somerset,” Cllr Purbrick continued. “We need to see the plan to safely reopen Yeovil’s birthing services as soon as possible—and we need to be kept informed about how that plan will be delivered.”