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.

More from News

Thursday 30th April

More than 4,500 people have expressed interest in joining a new NHS dental practice in Crewkerne. Somerset Council says a long-term solution is needed to make Hendford Hill in Yeovil fully safe for motorists. A Somerset man has won first prize at the World Marmalade Awards... and more
Wednesday 29th April

Somerset Council says Hendford Hill in Yeovil should be fully reopened to traffic by the end of May. Plans have been approved to build 40 new homes in Crewkerne. A huge pile of illegally dumped rubbish in Glastonbury has been cleared... and more
Tuesday 28th April

Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal collision at Rimpton. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage in South Petherton. Former Yeovil Town manager Gary Johnson has been retained as first-team manager of Taunton Town for next season... and more
Monday 27th April

A former school in Sherborne has been badly damaged by fire. A care home in Yeovil has been rated outstanding. ublic spaces in West Coker owned by Somerset Council are being handed over to the parish council. Mendip Golf Club has presented a cheque for £12,000 to Mind in Somerset... and more
Friday 24th April

Plans have been submitted to turn a property on Preston Road in Yeovil into a House in Multiple Occupation. Yeovil’s Marlie Packer has been recalled to the England Red Roses starting line-up for tomorrow’s Women’s Six Nations game against Wales. Three sisters from Yeovil will be running the London Marathon this weekend in support of Guide Dogs UK... and more
Thursday 23rd April

Helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton have completed six weeks of sorties, protecting Cyprus from attacks by Iran. People in Somerset who use domestic heating oil are calling on the government to regulate the oil supply industry. Patients are being invited to register at a new NHS dentist in Crewkerne... and more
Wednesday 22nd April

Expectant mothers are using Yeovil Hospital once again to give birth following the reopening of the maternity unit. A Yeovil man has been jailed for four years for committing sexual offences against two young girls. Plans have been approved to convert a pub in Milborne Port into housing... and more
Tuesday 21st April

NHS Somerset has delayed closing the hyper-acute stroke unit at Yeovil Hospital. A former Avon and Somerset Police officer has been jailed for making indecent images of children. A Somerset man has been fined after pleading guilty to hunting a wild animal with dogs... and more