UNPOPULAR reforms to Yeovil Hospital’s stroke services could be delayed after asbestos was discovered in one of the existing wards.

The NHS Somerset integrated care board (ICB) voted  late January to approve plans to remove the hospital’s hyper-acute stroke unit (HASU), meaning the most urgent stroke patients will be transported to either Dorchester or Taunton for treatment.

The ICB has now revealed that implementing the changes may take longer than expected due to the need to remove “concealed asbestos” in different parts of the hospital, including one of the existing stroke wards.

The ICB revealed the asbestos-driven delay this week at a November 28 meeting in Taunton. Health bosses stressed there was no immediate risk to patients or staff.

“There is asbestos in many concealed parts of Yeovil Hospital," said David McClay, NHS Somerset’s chief officer for strategy, digital and integration. “Asbestos in good condition does not present a risk to health when left in situ."

The stroke ward in the hospital has concealed asbestos, including in its ceiling tiles, adding to cost and time to refurbish.

Under the Building Safety Act 2022, which came into effect in April 2024, all non-residential high-rise buildings – including hospitals – must meet more rigorous safety statements to prevent a repeat of the Grenfell Tower fire.

Unpopular decision

The decision to change stroke provision at Yeovil has proved immensely unpopular with local residents, with newly elected Yeovil MP Adam Dance asking for the decision to be called in and reviewed by health secretary Wes Streeting.

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

Stroke services are categorised by the NHS into two camps – hyper-acute where emergency treatment is required within the first 72 hours and acute where the stroke is less life threatening.

The asbestos situation renewed calls from some to change course about the relocation of services.

Ray Tostevin, chairman of the Quicksilver Community Group, urged the board to reconsider the changes in light of this new information and continuing public opposition.

“It’s not too late for the ICB to be brave and reconsider," he said. “There is no need to waste NHS resources and disadvantage so many people who rely on Yeovil Hospital.”

The hospital is unable to meet national standards for a hyper acute service, said McClay of NHS Somerset. Such services require staffing by at least six qualified consultants, should operate between 8am and 8pm seven days a week, and should see a minimum of 600 patients a year.

A further update on the stroke services is expected to come before the board at its next meeting on January 30, 2025.