IN HIS first official letter dated August 1, Adam Dance MP wrote to Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health, about the local unrest caused by the proposed relocation of the HASU from Yeovil to Dorchester.

Mr Dance has campaigned for the HASU to stay at Yeovil where it best serves his constituents and those of several adjacent constituencies, including West Dorset.

He is asking why setting up a new unit at Dorchester rather than upgrading the Yeovil Unit.

In his letter to Wes Streeting, Adam says: "My constituents in Yeovil will not be well served by having the HASU over 20 miles away.

“It will take many months if not years for the HASU to be up and running in Dorchester during which time Yeovil will be running down and we will be left high and dry with no Hyper Acute service - something vital to a good outcome for those suffering a severe stroke.

“I think there is a clear case for the money to be invested in Yeovil Hospital which can then bring its current HASU up to the required standards.

"I would ask you to reflect on your own support for services to be retained close to where they are needed.

“The combined population of Yeovil town and Sherborne in West Dorset (4 miles from Yeovil) is 60,541.

“The population of Dorchester is 21,366. I cannot see any gain to be achieved by relocating the service now provided at Yeovil Hospital rather than strengthening the current provision."

Mr Dance will be seeking the support from neighbouring MPs to make the case for the Secretary of State to review the decision made locally by the Integrated Care Board .