Adam Dance MP demands urgent response from Health Secretary on Yeovil Stroke Unit Closure

Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil, has raised serious concerns in Parliament over the lack of response from the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care regarding the planned closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU).

During a Point of Order in the House of Commons, Adam highlighted his repeated attempts to seek clarity on the decision, including a detailed letter sent on 1st August outlining the critical impact of the closure on patient outcomes and community healthcare. Despite following up with the Secretary of State’s office and submitting a Named Day Parliamentary Question earlier this month, Adam has received only a holding answer.

Speaking in Parliament, Adam said:

“My constituents are deeply concerned about the closure of Yeovil Hospital’s Hyper Acute Stroke Unit. This is a vital service for South Somerset, and the lack of timely communication from the Department for Health and Social Care is unacceptable. We need answers now, not delays.”

Adam’s letter to the Health Secretary called for the decision to relocate the HASU to Dorchester to be reviewed, mentioning:

• Flaws in the initial consultation, which failed to consider retaining the HASU at Yeovil.
• Increased travel times for stroke patients, potentially worsening outcomes.
• Concerns about the cost-effectiveness of establishing a new unit in Dorchester compared to upgrading the existing facility at Yeovil.

The Speaker of the House echoed Adam’s frustration, recognising the importance of receiving timely responses to parliamentary questions and urging the Department to address the matter.

Adam added:

“Patients in Yeovil and South Somerset deserve better. Moving this essential service to Dorchester will leave us without adequate stroke care during the transition and impose longer travel times on patients, jeopardising their recovery and outcomes. The Health Secretary must take immediate action to address these concerns.”

Adam has pledged to continue pushing for a response from the Department of Health and Social Care and to ensure the voices of his constituents are heard on this critical issue.