A baby sensory class has become the focus of a political visit in Ilminster, raising concerns about maternity care in the area.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey joined Yeovil MP Adam Dance in Ilminster on Friday, September 12, to meet parents and take part in the class, which provided an opportunity to hear first-hand about the impact of the temporary closure of Yeovil's maternity unit.

The closure has forced expectant mothers to travel to further away hospitals while in labour.

Mr Dance said: "It was a real pleasure to welcome Ed Davey to Somerset and join a baby sensory class in Ilminster.

"We heard directly from parents about their experiences and the real worries they face following the temporary closure of Yeovil's maternity unit.

"Every family deserves the reassurance of safe, local maternity care."

The inpatient maternity service and Special Care Baby Unit at Yeovil District Hospital were temporarily closed after being rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission.

The CQC cited concerns, including understaffing and a lack of emergency preparedness.

NHS Resolution figures reveal that 63 families have taken legal action against Somerset NHS Foundation Trust over maternity care between April 2019 and April 2024.

In the same period, £45.3m in damages was paid to 41 families.

Mr Dance added: "I will continue to press both the trust and the government to ensure that maternity services return to Yeovil as quickly and safely as possible, and that local families are properly supported in the meantime."