Adam Dance

Yeovil stroke unit closure would be 'dangerous', MP says NHS Somerset ICB says the changes would mean

The closure of Yeovil’s stroke unit is dangerous.
Only 13% of patients would be treated on time if taken to Taunton — compared to 74% at Yeovil.
I’m calling on the Government and NHS Somerset to pause the plans and protect local care.
We deserve better: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

NMH win ‘critical’ for Yeovil but opportunities exist for AW159 and AW101, says Leonardo Helicopters UK chief The new boss of Leonardo Helicopters UK has stressed the "criticality" for the business of winning the ongoing New Medium Helicopter (NMH) contest, but believes the airframer can grasp other opportuni...

The NMH contract is absolutely critical for Yeovil, but as Leonardo makes clear, there is also real potential in the AW159 and AW101 programmes. I’ll keep doing all I can to champion Somerset’s world-class helicopter industry and protect jobs in our community.
www.flightglobal.com/defence/nmh-...

More than half of maternity units are failing – why are we not treating this as the national emergency it is? As a Member of Parliament representing a rural area, I believe people – no matter where they live – deserve safe, compassionate and timely care. Bu...

Half of all maternity units in England are now rated inadequate or requires improvement. That is a national emergency.

In @politicshome.bsky.social, I’ve written about why the Government must stop ignoring this crisis, and what we need to see happen now.

www.politicshome.com/opinion/arti...

"The government needs to stop making policy about #disabled people without them"
@adamjamesdance.bsky.social
👏👏👏
#BinUCBill

MP vows to fight for Crewkerne hospital beds amid NHS reform Crewkerne's local MP has vowed to fight to protect the beds at the town's community hospital as the local NHS trust prepares to consider the…

#Yeovil MP @adamjamesdance.bsky.social has vowed to fight for "vital" inpatient beds at #Crewkerne Community Hospital as #Somerset health bosses eyes changes as part of the government's ten-year plan for the #NHS: www.chardandilminsternews.co.uk/news/2531921... #LDReporter

Adam Dance MP being interviewed outside the Canalside building, speaking to a TV reporter holding a microphone, with a camera set up to film.

I spoke to Richard Lawrence of @itvnews.bsky.social about how the closure of Yeovil’s maternity unit is leaving newly qualified midwives in limbo.

They want to stay in Somerset, but without a clear plan, we risk losing them.

I’ll keep fighting to bring services back.

Adam Dance MP takes a smiling selfie with journalist Amanda Parr in a brightly lit studio. Both are dressed smartly, with Amanda wearing a navy blazer and Adam in a green tie with a white shirt and jacket. A red and blue graphic backdrop is behind them.

I’ll be on Sunday Politics West on BBC One at 10am tomorrow with Amanda Parr, joined by Kerry McCarthy, MP for Bristol East (Labour) and Bristol City Cllr Lorraine Francis (Green).

We covered a range of important issues - tune in if you can!

In Westminster Hall, I invited Health Minister @skinnock.bsky.social to visit Ariel Healthcare in Chard, where GPs are working in a building that isn’t fit for purpose.

He responded positively—and I’ll be following up. GPs and patients in Chard deserve better.

I asked the Minister for a timeline on the new medium-lift helicopter contract. It’s clear we’re all watching this closely. I’ll keep pushing to make sure

Leonardo in Yeovil is firmly in the running. Our local aerospace industry deserves strong backing.

Public voting is now open for Business Leader of the Year at the SME National Business Awards.

A great chance to celebrate Yeovil’s business leaders making a real impact.

Nominate or vote here: www.smenationals.co.uk
Nominations close: 18 July
Voting closes: 8 August

Elderly man in a wheelchair by the window taking medication. Black and white photo. The caption reads "1.3 Million PIP claimants are at risk of losing support".

Countless people rely on this support to stay in work and just go about their daily lives. To strip that away from them is not only senseless but cruel.

Ministers must change course.

Our maternity services are in crisis. It’s time for the government to act. We need ministers to stop pretending this is someone else’s problem

'Over half of England’s maternity units are now rated inadequate or in need of improvement. That is not just a local failure. It is a national disgrace.'

@libdems.org.uk MP @adamjamesdance.bsky.social explains the crisis facing maternity services.

Somerset MPs push for NHS funding boost after spending review 'Our NHS in Somerset has been left on its knees'

Does the #NHS in #Somerset have enough funding? Will the #spendingreview make a big difference? Local MPs @gideonamos.bsky.social, @adamjamesdance.bsky.social, Sir Ashley Fox and @rachelgilmourld.bsky.social made their views clear in a recent debate: www.somersetlive.co.... #LDReporter

I spoke on NHS funding, raising concerns about the future of Yeovil Hospital.
From the loss of our stroke unit to the closure of maternity services, local care is under real pressure. I urged the Minister to commit to properly funding & supporting our hospital and NHS staff.

Adam Dance MP crouches on a grassy field surrounded by a cheerful group of children dressed as pirates and in yellow shirts, smiling and pointing toy hooks at him during a community event.

I had a brilliant time at the East Somerset District Cub Camp, where I was honoured to judge the Cubs’ fancy dress competition—what an amazing display of creativity!

A huge thank you to everyone for the warm welcome. It’s wonderful to see Scouting thriving in our community!

Spending Review 2025: Adam Dance MP says Chancellor has “let down Somerset” Responding to the Spending Review today (Wednesday 11 June), Adam Dance, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil, has criticised the Government for neglecting key local priorities...

The Chancellor had a chance to deliver real change for Somerset – but instead, we got more empty words and no real support for local services, schools or farmers.
Read my full response to the Spending Review here: www.yeovil-libdems.org.uk/news/article...

Cuts to farming support could be 'devastating', warns Yeovil MP He said farmers are already under pressure from the cost-of-living crisis, underinvestment, and trade agreements.

As we wait for the Spending Review, the Govt must invest in our NHS, schools, and social care – not cut them.

Rural areas like Somerset need a fair deal too. Our farmers must be supported, not forgotten.

🔗 www.chardandilminsternews.co.uk/news/2522784...

I spoke in @freddievanmierlomp.bsky.social’s debate on ADHD support today.

As someone with ADHD, I called for universal screening in primary schools and better teacher training.

Every child deserves to be understood and supported.

Thanks Georgina!

"With the right support, you can achieve great things."

Watch @AdamJamesDance.bsky.social tonight at 9pm on Channel 4 Jamie Oliver’s Dyslexia Revolution.

Adam Dance MP speaking with emotion at a public event, hands on his chest, surrounded by a crowd. Protest signs can be seen in the background with messages including “No child left behind.”

Tonight at 9pm on Channel 4, Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution airs — and I’m so proud to have been featured.

As someone with dyslexia, it means the world to see
Jamie Oliver championing this issue. Please tune in and be part of the revolution. #DyslexiaRevolution #ComeOnBridget

Adam Dance MP walks up a slipway smiling, wearing a life jacket and sailing gear. In the background, a group of people in helmets and vests are preparing to sail small boats on a large lake surrounded by trees.

Great to visit Yeovil Sea Cadets & Royal Marine Cadets — so impressed by the energy, discipline and pride of the young people involved.

Thanks to all who made me feel so welcome (especially Mark, who promised not to tip me in the water!)

MPs unite over 'disgraceful' closure of Yeovil maternity unit A six-month closure came into force on May 19

#Somerset's MPs have united to condemn the "disgraceful" decision to close maternity services at #Yeovil Hospital: www.somersetlive.co.... #LDReporter #NHS @adamjamesdance.bsky.social @rachelgilmourld.bsky.social @sarahdykeld.bsky.social

Adam Dance MP speaks with members of the public during a protest. A large crowd surrounds him, with one person holding a sign that reads "SAVE OUR MATERNITY SERVICES." The event takes place in front of a town hospital building under renovation.

I asked the Health Secretary what impact the Yeovil Maternity Unit closure would have on public health and patient safety. The response gave no reassurance.

I'll be raising this again tonight in my adjournment debate — calling for answers and action.

📺 parliamentlive.tv/Commons

Yeovil Hospital maternity reopening won't be considered for months The hospital trust is actively trying to recruit new staff - as no decision to be taken this summer on reopening

#Yeovil MP @adamjamesdance.bsky.social has vowed to keep fighting for the town's maternity services as #NHS bosses confirm no decision on its future will be taken until August at the earliest: www.somersetlive.co.... #LDReporter #Somerset

Statement from Adam Dance MP on the closure of Yeovil's Maternity Unit - 21 May 2025 Statement from Adam Dance MP on the closure of Yeovil's Maternity Unit - 21 May 2025

I’ve heard from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust & the ICB following my letter about the closure of Yeovil’s Maternity Unit.

We need transparency, accountability & a clear plan to restore safe, local maternity care.

Read my statement: www.yeovil-libdems.org.uk/news/article...

Huge protest with emotional scenes as parents fight for maternity services After sudden closure of its birthing and special care baby units

My counterpart @lewisclarke.bsky.social has done a fantastic job covering the protest against the closure of #Yeovil Hospital's maternity unit, led by local MP @adamjamesdance.bsky.social: www.somersetlive.co.... #LDReporter #Somerset #NHS

Adam Dance MP stands holding a baby among a large crowd of parents, children, and campaigners outside a hospital building. The group holds handmade signs reading “Save Our Maternity Unit,” “Save Our Birthing Unit,” and “Yeovil Deserves Better,” showing strong community opposition to the closure of Yeovil’s maternity services.

An emotional evening last night as we stood with NHS staff leaving Yeovil Hospital’s maternity unit for the last time before its 6-month closure.

Somerset NHS Trust must fix the issues and reopen the ward.

Sign the petition:
👉 www.yeovil-libdems.org.uk/maternity-un...

"Maternity services in Yeovil are set to close move to Taunton, which lacks capacity.

"Will the Prime Minister or relative minister agree to meet with me to stop this decision?"
@AdamJamesDance.bsky.social

Adam Dance MP stands in front of a sign for the Women’s Health and Maternity Unit at Yeovil District Hospital. The sign also states the area is a smoke-free site. He is wearing a mustard-coloured polo shirt and looking serious.

I’ll be joining a peaceful rally at YDH’s Maternity Unit this Monday at 5pm.
With no confirmed reopening date, families are anxious and staff are under pressure. We need safe, local maternity care in Yeovil — now & for the future.
Join us. Bring a sign, bring your voice.