Somerset’s Members of Parliament are urging the government to allocate more funding to the NHS in the southwest following the latest spending review. The county faces multiple healthcare challenges, including delays in upgrading Musgrove Park Hospital, loss of critical stroke and maternity services at Yeovil Hospital, a shortage of NHS dentists, funding pressures on local pharmacies, and rising demand for adult social care.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £29 billion increase in NHS funding, including £10 billion dedicated to technology and digital transformation, aiming to increase GP appointments and reduce waiting lists. However, Somerset MPs caution that funding alone is insufficient without greater focus on recruiting and retaining healthcare staff to address local needs.
A recent Westminster Hall debate highlighted ongoing concerns. Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, pointed out that funding for new hospital projects had run out, leaving a £6.6 billion shortfall. Many essential hospital upgrades, such as those planned for Musgrove Park, have been postponed until 2033, with other infrastructure improvements put on indefinite hold.
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Gideon Amos, Lib Dem MP for Taunton and Wellington, described the intense pressures at Musgrove Park Hospital caused by service closures at Yeovil, leading to challenging conditions for staff. The local integrated care board (ICB), which coordinates healthcare services, faces potential mergers with neighbouring areas aimed at reducing administrative expenses, though no final decision has been made.
Adam Dance, Lib Dem MP for Yeovil, emphasized the urgent need to reopen maternity services and maintain stroke care locally, criticizing the impact of recent closures on patient safety. He called for government action to improve NHS staff recruitment and wellbeing, warning that without sufficient support, the NHS cannot function effectively in Somerset.
Sir Ashley Fox, Conservative MP for Bridgwater, acknowledged steady increases in NHS spending but stressed the importance of improving productivity rather than relying solely on more funds. He supported plans to reduce bureaucracy but urged caution to ensure it leads to meaningful service improvements.
Rachel Gilmour, Lib Dem MP for Tiverton and Minehead, highlighted unique rural healthcare challenges, including an aging population and difficulties in accessing GP and dental services. She called for systemic reforms and enhanced local medical training to address staff shortages and reduce pressure on emergency care.
Karin Smyth, minister of state for secondary care, responded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to NHS recovery, noting recent improvements in appointment numbers and reductions in waiting lists. She emphasized ongoing investments in digital healthcare and the forthcoming ten-year health plan aimed at sustainable improvements.
The collective message from Somerset’s MPs is clear: while the recent spending review is a step forward, meaningful change requires targeted investment in staffing, infrastructure, and service quality to meet the county’s pressing healthcare needs.