A report published as part of a national investigation has revealed concerns at two Somerset hospitals.
The National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation has been released today (June 30).
The local trust report, which focuses on Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, included care experiences of women, birthing people and families who used the services.
However, the report also says families did experience care from 'kind and compassionate' midwives.
It identified systemic pressures including workforce shortages, high demand, and outdated facilities impacting patient safety, especially at Musgrove Park Hospital and Yeovil District Hospital.
In response to the findings, Dr Melanie Iles, chief medical officer for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We thank the women, families, and colleagues who shared their experiences with the national investigation.
"We also thank the investigation team.
"Their work will help us continue improving our maternity and neonatal services.
"It is very difficult to read the experiences of women, families and birthing partners, and of colleagues working in our maternity and neonatal services.
"We say sorry to anyone who has had a traumatic experience, been let down, not been listened to, or been harmed by our services."
The report highlights 'inadequate' ratings at both hospitals in 2023 and describes an environment in which families and staff reported harm and distressing care.
It points to major concerns over the current estate and facilities, particularly at Musgrove Park Hospital, where the buildings were described as in a 'poor state' and 'cramped'.
The report says: "The hospital is in the national New Hospital Programme, but its expected construction start date has been delayed until at least 2033, as a result of national programme decisions."
Dr Iles said: "Our local report highlights the impact of the old, outdated and cramped maternity unit at Musgrove Park Hospital on mothers, babies, families and maternity colleagues.
"We have made as many improvements as possible to this building, but it is not fit for use in a modern NHS and needs to be replaced urgently."
The report acknowledged recent improvements, such as the appointment of five additional paediatric consultants and the reopening of Yeovil District Hospital services in April.
However, it warned that changes may not be enough to ensure safer neonatal emergency cover or address core safety concerns.
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust leaders say they are committed to urgent action and further improvements.
Dr Iles said: "We have acted quickly in response to concerns about the safety of our services and will continue to improve.
"We strive to embed an open culture in which women, families and colleagues feel safe, supported, and heard.
"This began as part of our response to the CQC’s reports into our maternity services, continued with our response to the CQC’s report into the paediatric service at Yeovil District Hospital, and was part of our preparations to reopen services in Yeovil."
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The trust said it continues to explore alternative solutions as it seeks to upgrade facilities and address the urgent needs of families and staff.
Current patients with questions or concerns are being encouraged to contact their community midwife, the trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service, or the Somerset Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership for support.
Dr Iles said: "Our teams have done a huge amount of work to improve maternity and neonatal services and to provide safe, compassionate care to the women, babies, children and families we care for – but we have more work to do.
"We will listen to our service users’ feedback, work with our independent Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership to ensure we fully understand their experiences, and act on recommendations."
The report can be read in full here.
In April 2023, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust merged with Yeovil District Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
In November 2023, the CQC inspected maternity services at Musgrove, Yeovil (both inadequate) and Bridgwater Community Hospital (requires improvement).
In May 2020, the CQC publish reports into the maternity services, and in January 2025, the CQC inspected paediatric services at both Musgrove and Yeovil and issued a Section 29A notice.
The Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and inpatient maternity services at Yeovil District Hospital were closed temporarily in May 2025.
These services re-opened in April 2026.
The report stated the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation team have not revisited Yeovil District Hospital since it re-opened earlier this year.
The report added: "Now that Yeovil District Hospital has reopened, we hope that the positive learning some staff experienced from working at Musgrove Park can be built on going forward at both sites.
"Long-term solutions to estate, staffing, cultural and leadership challenges are required."
