Every parliamentary written question tabled by Edward Morello this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 261–280 of 397 · Department of Health and Social Care
What steps his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for NHS eye examinations.
Free National Health Service sight tests are widely available across the country, from any optical practice with a contract to provide NHS sight testing services. We are not aware of patients facing undue delays in accessing these services.
What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to increase the use of new technology in the delivery of optometry services.
Integrated care boards commission services in the National Health Service from high street optical practices, which are private businesses. Contractors will be expected to demonstrate they have the necessary equipment to be able to provide any contracted eye care services.In delivering sight testing services, an ophthalmic practitioner is required to undertake any clinically necessary tests to determine if a patient has any signs of injury, disease or abnormality and to refer for any necessary further investigations. We do not stipulate the equipment or technology that should be used to make that determination.As part of the 10-Year Health Plan’s shift from analogue to digital, we are reviewing how the NHS should focus its resources to ensure it maximises the impact of data and technology. This includes how we can make life easier and more productive for those who work in the NHS, and how we can use data more effectively to plan, manage and deliver services.
Whether his Department plans to support hospices to (a) recruit and (b) retain skilled staff in West Dorset constituency.
Most hospices are charitable, independent organisations which receive some statutory funding for providing National Health Services. As independent organisations, charitable hospices are responsible for their own recruitment and employment terms. They are free to develop and adapt their own terms and conditions of employment, including the pay scales. It is for them to determine what is affordable within the financial model they operate.A central part of our forthcoming 10-Year Health Plan will be our workforce and those who support our workforce, including how we ensure we train and provide the staff, technology, and infrastructure the NHS needs to care for patients, including those with palliative care and end of life care needs, across our communities.This summer, we will also publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade, and treat patients on time again. We will ensure the NHS has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need when they need it, including for those with palliative care and end of life care needs.
Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of funding levels for hospices on the availability of hospice services in rural areas.
We are supporting the hospice sector with a £100 million capital funding boost for adult and children’s hospices in England to ensure they have the best physical environment for care. The funding will help hospices to provide the best end of life care to patients and their families in a supportive and dignified physical environment. Funding will help support hospices and deliver much needed improvements, including refurbishments, overhauling IT systems, and improving facilities for patients and visitors.In February, I met with key palliative and end of life care and hospice stakeholders, in a roundtable format, with a focus on long-term sector sustainability within the context of our 10-Year Health Plan.We recognise that there are geographical inequalities in access to palliative and end of life care and hospice services, especially for those living in rural or socio-economically deprived areas. We are looking at how best to reduce these. It is our intention to work with sector stakeholders to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need, in the right place, at the right time, at the end of life.Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for the commissioning of palliative and end of life care services, to meet the needs of their local populations. To support ICBs in this duty NHS England has published statutory guidance, which outlines areas for consideration when commissioning, which makes reference to improving equity of access and reducing inequalities in outcomes and experiences. This includes the completion of an Equalities and Health Inequalities Impact Assessment and action plan.
Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing a national strategy for hospice care.
The Government is determined to shift more healthcare out of hospitals and into the community, to ensure patients and families receive personalised care in the most appropriate setting, and palliative care and end of life care services, including hospices, will have a big role to play in that shift.As part of the work to develop a 10-Year Health Plan, we have been carefully considering policies, including those that impact people with palliative care and end of life care needs, with input from the public, patients, health staff, and stakeholders. It is too early to say exactly what the 10-Year Health Plan will look like, but we expect palliative care and end of life care to benefit from the plan’s three big shifts.In February, I met key palliative care and end of life care and hospice stakeholders, in a roundtable format with a focus on long-term sector sustainability within the context of our 10-Year Health Plan.
What steps his Department is taking to ensure sustainable funding for hospices.
We are supporting the hospice sector with a £100 million capital funding boost for adult and children’s hospices in England to ensure they have the best physical environment for care. The funding will help hospices to provide the best end of life care to patients and their families in a supportive and dignified physical environment. Funding will help support hospices and deliver much needed improvements, including refurbishments, overhauling IT systems, and improving facilities for patients and visitors.In February, I met with key palliative and end of life care and hospice stakeholders, in a roundtable format, with a focus on long-term sector sustainability within the context of our 10-Year Health Plan.We recognise that there are geographical inequalities in access to palliative and end of life care and hospice services, especially for those living in rural or socio-economically deprived areas. We are looking at how best to reduce these. It is our intention to work with sector stakeholders to ensure that everyone has access to the care they need, in the right place, at the right time, at the end of life.Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for the commissioning of palliative and end of life care services, to meet the needs of their local populations. To support ICBs in this duty NHS England has published statutory guidance, which outlines areas for consideration when commissioning, which makes reference to improving equity of access and reducing inequalities in outcomes and experiences. This includes the completion of an Equalities and Health Inequalities Impact Assessment and action plan.
What interim support his Department is providing to Integrated Care Boards in West Dorset with dentist shortages.
We are determined to rebuild National Health Service dentistry, but it will take time and there are no quick fixes. Strengthening the workforce is key to our ambitions.Integrated care boards have started to advertise posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years. As of 10 April 2025, in England, there are 53 dentists in post with a further 44 dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post under this scheme. Another 256 posts are currently advertised.We have launched a 10-Year Health Plan to reform the NHS, a central part of which will be our workforce. We will publish a refreshed Long Term Workforce Plan to deliver the transformed health service we will build over the next decade and treat patients on time again.To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.
What steps he is taking to improve the capacity of local NHS services to provide safe home births in the context of the closure of Yeovil Hospital’s maternity unit.
The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks. All births and expectant mothers are also being offered pain relief and safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, and Bath.Choice is a core part of maternity care. We are working with NHS England to improve personalised care, and the quality of information mothers receive about their choices, so they feel empowered throughout their pregnancy journey into motherhood.
Whether he plans to introduce targeted incentives for dentists treating low-income patients privately due to levels of NHS provision in West Dorset.
The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the West Dorset constituency, this is the Dorset ICB.ICBs have started to advertise posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years. As of 10 April 2025, in England, there are 53 dentists in post with a further 44 dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post under this scheme. Another 256 posts are currently advertised.The NHS contracts with independent dental providers, to deliver NHS dental treatment in primary care settings. NHS dentists can offer private treatments in addition to NHS services. Dentists must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided on a private basis, and the costs associated for each. The Government does not control the cost of private dental or orthodontic treatment and patients cannot claim back the expense from the NHS.Free NHS dental care is available for patients who qualify for certain exemptions. Support is also available through the NHS Low Income Scheme for those patients who are not eligible for exemption or full remission of dental patient charges. Further information can be found at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/
Whether NHS England is offering temporary funding for private providers to deliver NHS dental care in areas with insufficient NHS provision.
The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the West Dorset constituency, this is the Dorset ICB.ICBs have started to advertise posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years. As of 10 April 2025, in England, there are 53 dentists in post with a further 44 dentists who have been recruited but are yet to start in post under this scheme. Another 256 posts are currently advertised.The NHS contracts with independent dental providers, to deliver NHS dental treatment in primary care settings. NHS dentists can offer private treatments in addition to NHS services. Dentists must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided on a private basis, and the costs associated for each. The Government does not control the cost of private dental or orthodontic treatment and patients cannot claim back the expense from the NHS.Free NHS dental care is available for patients who qualify for certain exemptions. Support is also available through the NHS Low Income Scheme for those patients who are not eligible for exemption or full remission of dental patient charges. Further information can be found at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/
What steps he is taking to reduce the impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on access to care.
When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on maternity services at Dorset County Hospital.
When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.
What assessment he has made of the impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on local maternity services.
When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on levels of capacity at surrounding hospitals.
When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.
What assessment he has made of the capacity of local NHS services to meet demand for home births following the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit.
When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on maternity staff at that hospital.
When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.
What assessment he has made of the impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on travel times for expectant mothers.
When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.
What assessment he has made of the impact of the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit on people in West Dorset constituency.
When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of increased travel times for maternity care following the closure of Yeovil District Hospital’s Maternity Unit.
When a decision has been taken quickly because of the risks to patient or staff safety, or welfare, the Government expects the local National Health Service commissioning body to notify and provide a rationale to their local Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.The Government is aware of the temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital that have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection, and not being able to currently meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families.The temporary closure is for an initial period of six months, and expectant mothers are being offered safe birthing at surrounding hospitals in Taunton, Dorchester, including Dorset County Hospital, and Bath. Outpatient clinics for pregnant mothers such as obstetric and midwifery antenatal clinics, scanning, antenatal screening services, and home births will continue at Yeovil District Hospital as normal. Home births will continue to be offered, based on discussions with parents-to-be about preferences and risks.The South West NHS England regional team, the NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB), and the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust are working collectively to mitigate the risk of this temporary closure and to ensure the wider systems work together to provide safe services in the meantime.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioning body. The reconfiguration of services is a local decision that should be informed by clinical best practice. All service changes should be based on clear evidence that they will deliver better outcomes for patients, and where needed, ensure patient safety.The ICB released a statement on 19 May 2025 about the impact of this closure on transport and travel, on access to care, and on maternity staff at Yeovil District Hospital. The ICB also released a statement on 14 May 2025 about some specific criteria that they have put in place to support the possibility of a reopening in six months. The ICB has stated that they will keep the situation under continual review, and that they will also undertake a formal review of the position after three and six months. The statements from 19 May 2025 and 14 May 2025 are available, respectively, at the following two links:https://nhssomerset.nhs.uk/my-health/my-local-health-services/patient-transport/https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/?news=temporary-closure-of-special-care-baby-unit-and-important-changes-to-inpatient-maternity-services-at-yeovil-hospitalThere are real issues in maternity care, but also outstanding examples of care. It will not be an overnight recovery, but we will be making steady improvements to ensure that all women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care. The Government continues to work with the NHS as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal plan to improve maternity and neonatal services.
What steps he is taking to ensure adequate access to maternity care for people in West Dorset constituency, in the context of the closure of Yeovil’s maternity unit.
The Government will ensure that trusts failing on maternity care are robustly supported into rapid improvement, and we will continue to work with the National Health Service as it delivers its three-year maternity and neonatal delivery plan to ensure women receive safe, personalised, and compassionate care.Responsibility for the delivery, implementation, and funding decisions for services ultimately rests with the appropriate NHS commissioner. The Department is aware of temporary changes to services at Yeovil District Hospital, which have been made in response to a number of factors, including a recent Care Quality Commission inspection and temporarily not being able to meet the staffing levels required to provide safe services for babies and families. The South West NHS England regional team, integrated care board, and trust are working collectively to review the situation and develop proposals to ensure the safe future service provision of maternity services.