Statement on the Secretary of State’s Decision to Close Yeovil’s Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU)

On the 1st August, I formally requested the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to use his call-in powers to intervene in Somerset Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) decision to close Yeovil Hospital’s Hyper Acute Stroke Unit (HASU). After four months of persistence—including follow-ups with the Department, correspondence with Wes Streeting’s senior team, and raising a point of order in the House of Commons—I have finally received a response. 

I am deeply disappointed to report that Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Health, has rejected my request for intervention, allowing Somerset ICB’s decision to stand. 

This decision is not only flawed but outdated. In the four months the Department delayed its response, significant changes have occurred at Yeovil’s HASU. The unit now operates a 24/7 service—a key concern raised by the ICB in its original justification for closure. Additionally, I believe there has still been insufficient evidence-based consideration of the negative impact this closure will have on travel times for stroke patients and on health inequalities across South Somerset.

I will not accept this outcome and am now formally challenging the Secretary of State’s decision. Under ministerial intervention powers, the Secretary of State can revisit reconfigurations if “material” changes in circumstances affect the original decision. I am preparing a detailed, evidence-based case to demonstrate how circumstances at Yeovil’s HASU have materially changed. 
I will also continue to challenge Somerset ICB’s original decision. This includes submitting further Parliamentary Questions, raising the issue directly with Ministers in the House of Commons, and engaging with stakeholders such as the Quicksilver Community Group to ensure our collective voices are heard.

This is not a party-political issue but a public health one. My priority is to serve and protect the people of Yeovil and South Somerset. The HASU at Yeovil Hospital provides life-saving services, and its closure would be a devastating blow to our community. 
I urge all constituents to sign the petition opposing this closure if you have not done so already. Together, we can fight to keep this vital service in our community: www.yeovil-libdems.org.uk/yeovil-stroke 

For more information on how you can help, please contact my office on adam.dance.mp@parliament.uk. I will continue to update you on this fight. Your health and well-being are my top priority, and I will not give up on this issue.