Maternity services at Yeovil District Hospital are set to fully reopen - just as the hospital is named in a national investigation into systemic failings in NHS maternity and neonatal care.

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust says it is committed to restoring inpatient maternity and Special Care Baby Unit services in Yeovil, which were temporarily closed following a damning Care Quality Commission inspection in late 2023.

The closure sparked widespread concern and criticism from campaigners and local families.

Now, Yeovil has been named as one of 14 NHS trusts to be investigated in a new independent review, led by Baroness Valerie Amos and announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The inquiry will examine years of safety issues, poor leadership, and ignored warnings - aiming to drive a national overhaul of care for mothers and babies.

Trust chief executive Peter Lewis said the national probe is a welcome opportunity: "This is a further opportunity to get feedback on our services and make improvements — and we welcome it."

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust says 94% of its post-inspection improvement plan has already been completed, and it has pledged to continue progress. NHS Somerset confirmed it has formally requested a full reopening plan by November, including a firm reopening date.

Jonathan Higman, Chief Executive of NHS Somerset, said: "We know this closure has caused real concern. I hope people are reassured by the good progress made—and that births will return to Yeovil soon."

The national review—launched after more than 15 years of repeated failures across England - will focus on women's lived experiences, inequalities in care, and leadership failings. Interim recommendations are expected by December 2025.

Baroness Amos said families will be placed "at the heart" of the process, with a particular focus on the inequalities faced by Black, Asian and marginalised women.

The inquiry will run alongside a new National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce, designed to ensure findings lead to lasting improvements across the NHS.

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