Yeovil's New MP Urges Health Secretary to Reconsider Stroke Unit Closure
Yeovil, Somerset – Yeovil's newly elected MP, Adam Dance, has called on the new health secretary to reconsider the controversial decision to remove the hyper-acute stroke unit (HASU) from Yeovil Hospital. The NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) voted in late January to relocate the unit, meaning that the most urgent stroke patients will now be transported to either Dorchester or Taunton for treatment.
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The decision has sparked widespread concern and frustration among local residents. Mr. Dance, who had expressed his opposition to the move during his campaign, has now formally requested a meeting with Health Secretary Wes Streeting to reassess what he describes as "flawed" proposals.
In a letter to Mr. Streeting, sent shortly after the summer recess began, Mr. Dance emphasized the significant public concern over the issue. However, due to the recess, he will not be able to meet with the health secretary in person until the House of Commons reconvenes on September 2.
“This has been a matter of enormous concern to people of all political persuasions in this constituency for many months,” Mr. Dance wrote. He highlighted his previous experience as the lead councillor for public health at Somerset Council, noting that he is well aware of the challenging decisions facing the healthcare system.
Earlier this year, Mr. Dance had written to the previous health secretary, Victoria Adkins MP, requesting a review of the decision to relocate the HASU from Yeovil to Dorchester. Despite this, he has yet to receive a response. Now, he is urging the new health secretary to address the issue with urgency.
“I believe we need to retain this important service at Yeovil Hospital, which currently delivers great care for stroke patients across South Somerset and West Dorset,” Mr. Dance stated. His call for action reflects the deep concern within the community about the potential impact of the HASU's removal on local healthcare services.
1 comment
Great to hear our MP fighting for the Yeovil HASU, I just wish news outlets would get your facts right. No stroke patients will get immediate HASU care at Yeovil the unit will close. It is incorrect to report most Yeovil patients will go to Dorchester or Taunton, it’s far worse than that. Patients will go to Dorchester, Taunton, Salisbury or Bath in the first instance and those sent to Dorchester and who need Thrombectomy treatment will end up in Southampton. The ICB has already admitted 115,000 South Somerset and West Dorset residents will not be able to attend a HASU by public transport. Why don’t you research an in depth article highlighting this plan which the senior stroke surgeon in the county has branded “Catastrophic”
Regards