Stroke unit closure would be 'dangerous', MP says

MP Adam Dance has long objected to the closure of the hyper-acute stroke unit

The planned closure of a hyper-acute stroke unit (HASU) is "dangerous", according to a town's MP.

Last year, Somerset's NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) agreed the pending closure of the HASU at Yeovil District Hospital, with plans for patients in need of urgent stroke care to be diverted to Taunton or Dorchester instead.

Adam Dance, Yeovil's MP, has again called for the decision to be overturned, saying patient care and speed of treatment are at the centre of his concerns.

An NHS Somerset ICB spokesperson said the changes to stroke services in the region would mean "better emergency treatment and better recovery", and added the decision was was "the right one for the people of Somerset".

Dance said data from the South Western Ambulance Service suggested only 13% of stroke patients in Yeovil could be treated within the target 180 minute window should plans go ahead, compared to 74% if Yeovil District Hospital retained its unit.

"That's a huge risk and that's why I'm pushing for the calling-in, because I don't think that's right," he told BBC Radio Somerset.

"The stroke unit is under threat, then the maternity unit, and now the closure of community beds at Crewkerne... it's a worrying time for residents," he added.

Dance said he was calling for both the government and NHS Somerset to rethink the decision.

A spokesperson for NHS Somerset ICB said the body "remained committed" to the changes, which would lead to fewer people dying or suffering serious disability.

"Once patients have received emergency stroke treatment, patients living in the south Somerset area will be able to continue any acute stroke care that might be needed at Yeovil District Hospital.

"A considerable amount of work has gone into this programme, including hugely valuable input from clinicians, staff, stroke survivors and their loved ones," the spokesperson added.

The unit will remain open until the NHS is confident it can operate sufficiently in Dorchester and Taunton, the ICB said.

The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.