Hospital's 'complex' stroke unit move delayed

The removal of a hyper-acute stroke unit at a hospital has been delayed, health chiefs have confirmed.

Under the plans, Yeovil's stroke patients who require urgent care will have to travel to Taunton or Dorchester rather than being seen at the town's district hospital.

But the move, which was originally proposed for May, is unlikely to happen until at least August. NHS documents, seen by the BBC, state that a lack of staffing in Taunton is behind the delay.

Dr Bernie Marden, chief medical officer for NHS Somerset, said the project is "complex" and there is still some way to go until the team is ready at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital.

Adam Dance, MP for Yeovil, said residents are concerned about travel times to Taunton.

"They worry it's not going to be quick enough for them," he added.

It takes about 55 minutes to travel from Yeovil to Musgrove Park Hospital by car outside of peak times.

Stroke services are categorised by the NHS as either hyper-acute, where emergency treatment is required within the first 72 hours, or acute, where the stroke is less life-threatening.

Under the planned reforms, Yeovil District Hospital will retain its acute stroke provision but all hyper-acute stroke patients will be transported to either Musgrove Park Hospital or Dorset County Hospital, whichever is closer.

Ray Tostevin, chair of campaign group Quicksilver Community Group in Yeovil, said residents need access to prompt attention.

"We've asked for evidence to show that the longer journey times will be offset by better quality care at the end. We've not seen the evidence," Tostevin said.

Marden said the changes will mean better emergency treatment and better recovery for stroke patients.

"A considerable amount of work has gone into this programme, including hugely valuable input from clinicians, staff, stroke survivors and their loved ones," Marden added.

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