Two Somerset MPs have recently visited the maternity unit at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, to observe the serious challenges it currently faces. Gideon Amos, representing Taunton and Wellington, and Adam Dance of Yeovil, are actively campaigning for enhanced maternity services throughout Somerset.
Although a new maternity and children’s unit at Musgrove Park is included in the government’s funding plans, the project is not scheduled to commence until 2033—an unacceptably distant date given the current strain on the hospital. The pressure on Musgrove Park has intensified following the closure of the maternity and special care baby unit at Yeovil Hospital, which has forced more patients into an already overstretched facility.
After his visit, Mr. Amos expressed his concerns: “Meeting the dedicated midwives and medics was inspiring, but no healthcare professional or family should have to work or be cared for in buildings that suffer from 30° heat in summer and leaks during winter. This situation falls far short of what local mothers, babies, and NHS staff deserve.
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“Securing Musgrove Park’s new maternity and children’s unit among the top tiers of UK hospital projects was a significant accomplishment. However, starting construction in 2033 is far too late. The government must prioritize urgent funding in its upcoming budget to address the outdated and temporary facilities, originally built in the 1940s for the US Army, that Musgrove still uses.
“I stand firmly behind Adam’s efforts to reinstate maternity services at Yeovil—this is the right solution for our community. Since the General Election, my top priority has been to restore our NHS and deliver improved care for patients.”
Mr. Dance added: “Seeing firsthand how stretched the maternity team at Musgrove Park is highlights the dire situation. The closure of Yeovil’s unit has significantly increased demand, and while staff continue to do an incredible job under these challenging conditions, this is not sustainable.
“Mothers, babies, and staff should not have to endure ongoing government delays. Somerset needs immediate investment—not a plan stretched out to 2033. I will continue to push for a clear and timely strategy to restore safe, accessible maternity care across our county.”