A growing campaign is demanding an accelerated timeline for the construction of a new maternity unit in Taunton, amid widespread concern over the state of the existing facilities at Musgrove Park Hospital. The maternity ward, nearly 80 years old, has been described by the local MP as the “worst in the region, if not the country.”
Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has acknowledged that the current maternity unit is “not fit for purpose,” with plans to build a replacement scheduled to begin in 2033-a date many deem far too distant given the pressing issues present.
Earlier this year, an incident involving a newborn being placed in a mould-infested ward led to an official apology from the trust. They assured the public that staff acted promptly to rectify the situation once identified.
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Gideon Amos, MP for Taunton and Wellington, highlighted the dire conditions: “These buildings were originally constructed for the United States Army as a temporary wartime measure during the Second World War and have not been replaced since.”
He further referenced the findings of the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation, which exposed several critical shortcomings at Musgrove Park, including leaking roofs and inadequate temperature control. Mr Amos remarked, “Musgrove Park’s maternity facilities ranked lowest in the region and perhaps the country. Recently, a birthing centre was even closed due to a rat infestation.”
The MP emphasised the challenges these outdated buildings pose: “Attempting to enhance services within these unsuitable environments severely hampers progress in providing essential support to mothers and their babies.”
Compounding the crisis, birthing services at North Devon District Hospital have been suspended, inevitably placing increased demand on facilities at Musgrove. This follows the year-long closure of Yeovil’s maternity ward, which only reopened earlier this year.
Mr Amos described the situation as a maternity crisis involving staffing shortages and cramped, ageing facilities. “I’ve received numerous messages from staff and patients expressing their concerns about the current state of maternity care. This is not about assigning blame but about urging urgent action from our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and Health Secretary, Yvette Cooper. Both staff and families deserve better. I encourage everyone to support the petition calling for faster progress.”
In addition to public appeals, the MP has requested a meeting with the Health Secretary to discuss advancing the much-needed project, urging her to visit Musgrove’s maternity unit firsthand to witness the conditions.
The comprehensive maternity investigation led by Baroness Amos, released in June, detailed serious maintenance issues across 12 NHS trusts, including Somerset. The report for Musgrove Park cited problems such as leaking roofs, erratic temperature control, and an antenatal ward ceiling being supported by metal rods for safety.
A spokesperson for Somerset NHS Foundation Trust expressed disappointment over funding delays, stating: “We were saddened to learn last year that the planned investment for Musgrove Park through the New Hospitals Programme has been postponed, with construction now deferred until 2033.”
They confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Department of Health and Social Care to secure investment aimed at improving the hospital’s oldest buildings to meet future healthcare needs. The spokesperson acknowledged the difficulties patients and staff endure, particularly during heavy rain.
The trust affirmed that a continuous maintenance programme is in place to maintain care standards despite the challenges posed by the ageing infrastructure.
Attempts to obtain comment from the Health Secretary have been made.
Readers are encouraged to lend their support by signing the petition online.