No clear date when maternity services can reopen

Adam Dance said the NHS had not been clear on when the maternity unit will reopen

An MP has said he is disappointed that there is no clear opening date for maternity services at a hospital.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has announced on Tuesday that it is planning a county-wide paediatric service in response to its closure of children and maternity units in Yeovil.

Yeovil's maternity and paediatric units closed for a period of six months in May due to concerns about safety of services.

Yeovil MP Adam Dance, said: "While it confirms that a review is taking place, it does not provide the clear detail people are desperately waiting for about when and how Yeovil's maternity services can safely reopen."

Yeovil's maternity unit had to close for at least six months in May

Since the closure, 212 babies have been born at other hospitals in the region, including Dorset County Hospital and Musgrove, the trust said.

The trust now plans to share services between Yeovil District Hospital and Musgrove Park in Taunton and is currently recruiting consultant paediatricians.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said in a statement: "We know that these temporary closures have had a big impact on all of our service users and on our colleagues.

"We are continuing to work with Dorset County Hospital and the independent Somerset Maternity and Neonatal Voices partnership to support service users, and with our colleagues to support them."

Mr Dance added: "I do welcome the news that more paediatricians are being recruited, as this is essential to fixing the fragility in the service, but local parents and midwives need much greater transparency and reassurance.

"I will continue to press the Trust and ministers for clear answers, a timeline for reopening, and a firm commitment to maternity care in Yeovil."