Two Somerset Members of Parliament have taken a close look at the challenging conditions faced by staff and patients at the maternity unit in Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Gideon Amos (Taunton and Wellington) and Adam Dance (Yeovil) are actively campaigning for urgent improvements in maternity services across the region.
Although a new maternity and children’s unit at Musgrove Park is included in the government’s funding plans, the project isn’t scheduled until 2033—too distant given the current pressures. The situation has been exacerbated by the closure of the maternity and special care baby unit at Yeovil Hospital, which has redirected more patients to Musgrove Park.
Reflecting on his visit, Mr. Amos praised the commitment of the midwives and medical staff but highlighted their struggles with poor facility conditions. He noted, “Staff shouldn’t have to endure 30° heat in summer or leaks during winter. This is unacceptable for local families and NHS workers alike.”
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He called the 2033 start date “far too late,” emphasizing that the urgently needed maternity and children’s unit, while recognized in the government’s priority projects, requires immediate funding. “These buildings date back to the 1940s and were meant to be temporary structures for the US Army. Our NHS staff and patients deserve better now,” he said.
Mr. Amos also expressed strong support for restoring maternity services at Yeovil, stating it is the best solution for the community.
Mr. Dance echoed these concerns, describing the situation as unsustainable. “The closure of Yeovil’s unit has placed enormous strain on Musgrove. The staff are doing heroic work, but we cannot expect mothers, babies, and healthcare workers to carry the burden of government delays.”
He is committed to advocating for swift investment to ensure safe and accessible maternity care is fully restored in Somerset. “We need action now—not a decade away,” he insisted.
Both MPs have made tackling the crisis in maternity care a top priority, pushing for urgent funding and strategic improvements to serve Somerset’s families and healthcare professionals better.