Monday 19th May

Monday, 19 May 2025 06:00

By Steve Haigh

Four thousand people have signed a petition calling for Yeovil’s maternity unit to be re-opened as soon as possible. UNISON is calling on Somerset Council to clarify how it will operate services now that hundreds of staff have been made redundant. The Bishop of Bath and Wells says he’s concerned about amendments to the assisted dying bill...and more.

Four thousand people have signed a petition calling for Yeovil’s maternity unit to be re-opened as soon as possible. Maternity services at Yeovil Hospital were suddenly closed last week after an inspection report from the Care Quality Commission highlighted safety concerns within the unit. NHS Somerset Foundation Trust, which runs Yeovil Hospital, says it’s working hard to reopen the baby unit with the safety of mothers and their babies a top priority.

UNISON is calling on Somerset Council to clarify how it will operate services now that hundreds of staff have left the authority after being made redundant. The Council has cut around 850 staff positions in a bid to stave off bankruptcy and warns more jobs may have to go to balance the books.

A grant of 11-thousand pounds has been given to Ilminster’s Share and Repair Project. The cash has come from Somerset Community Foundation's Gooch Charitable Fund.

The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Right Reverand Michael Beasley, says he’s concerned that amendments to the assisted dying bill risk people having their lives ended for what he calls ‘dark motives’. The legislation, due to have its third reading in Parliament in June, would allow terminally ill adults, with less than six months to live, to end their lives with medical help. Bishop Beasley says he’s opposed to the bill and wants the government to invest more money in hospices and end-of-life care.

The Conservative group on Somerset Council has appointed a new Leader. Councillor Diogo Rodrigues takes over the role from Councillor Mandy Chilcott. Councillor Dawn Denton is the new Deputy Leader.

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Wednesday 28th January

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Tuesday 27th January

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Monday 26th January

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Friday 23rd January

New data shows that South Western Ambulance is one of the worst-performing ambulance trusts in England. Plans to introduce improved accessibility at Yeovil Junction station have moved a step closer. A community centre in Street is providing vulnerable people with a warm, safe place to meet...and more.
Thursday 22nd January

A new NHS diagnostic centre has opened in Yeovil. The go-ahead has been given to build a replacement school for Milford Junior School in Yeovil. A new 500-bed hotel-style campus is being planned to accommodate workers at the new Agratas car battery factory near Bridgwater...and more
Wednesday 21st January

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Tuesday 20th January

Citizens Advice says thousands of people in Somerset have lost some or all of their council tax discount. The UK's first autonomous full-size helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo in Yeovil, has successfully completed its maiden flight. A new pharmacy has opened in Wincanton...and more