Following the recent government spending review, Somerset MPs have united in a call for increased NHS funding targeted at the south west region. Somerset faces significant healthcare challenges, including postponed upgrades to Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, the closure of stroke and maternity services at Yeovil Hospital, a severe shortage of NHS dentists, financial pressure on local pharmacies, and rising demand in adult social care.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP announced a £29 billion boost for the NHS on June 11, including £10 billion dedicated to technology and digital transformation efforts aimed at increasing GP appointments and reducing waiting lists. However, Somerset’s MPs caution that funding alone is not enough; they stress the urgent need for investment in recruiting and retaining healthcare staff.
In a Westminster Hall debate chaired by Steve Darling, Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay, MPs highlighted ongoing difficulties. Darling remarked, “The NHS was a cornerstone issue in the last general election. We knew the challenges were great, but the reality has been even more daunting.” He also expressed concerns over the government’s “waves” approach to hospital projects, which has disrupted services across the south west.
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A recent government review concluded that many new hospital projects were behind schedule, unfunded, or undeliverable—forcing delays such as the postponement of essential upgrades to Musgrove Park Hospital until 2033. Even planned infrastructure improvements, like a second multi-storey car park, have been indefinitely shelved.
Gideon Amos MP highlighted the taxing conditions for staff facing infrastructure issues at Musgrove Park, intensified by the closure of Yeovil Hospital’s maternity unit. Somerset’s health services decisions are overseen by the integrated care board (ICB), which may soon merge with neighboring regions to reduce administrative costs.
Adam Dance MP expressed deep concern about the closures at Yeovil Hospital, including the hyper-acute stroke unit and special care baby unit, which have increased the burden on nearby hospitals. He emphasized the necessity of properly funded and supported staff to maintain safe and local healthcare, particularly calling for the reinstatement of maternity services.
Dance also welcomed capital funding to expand two GP practices in his constituency but warned that more must be done to address falling dental services and the potential negative impact of ICB mergers.
Sir Ashley Fox MP pointed out that while NHS spending has increased annually since 2010, improving productivity and service quality is crucial. He welcomed proposals to abolish NHS England, hoping this will reduce bureaucracy and enhance service delivery without merely reshuffling roles.
Rachel Gilmour MP stressed the unique healthcare needs of rural areas like hers in Tiverton and Minehead, where an aging population and limited public transport intensify challenges. She called for systemic improvements in GP and dental services and advocated for establishing local training colleges to retain healthcare professionals.
Karin Smyth MP, Minister of State for Secondary Care, reassured MPs that the recent budget and spending review have set the NHS on a recovery path. She highlighted achievements such as exceeding targets for additional appointments and reducing waiting lists. Smyth confirmed the government’s commitment to a forthcoming ten-year health plan aimed at modernizing the NHS and ensuring effective use of public funds.
She pledged ongoing engagement with MPs on specific concerns and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to restoring and improving NHS services for Somerset and the entire UK.