Urgent upgrades called for Musgrove Park Hospital facilities

Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos has called on new Health Secretary James Murray to honour his predecessor’s promise of a meeting to discuss bringing forward the new maternity and paediatric unit at Musgrove Park Hospital.

The appeal follows a promise made by former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who acknowledged the 'unacceptable situation' at Musgrove during an interview with BBC Somerset.

In a Commons debate on the Government’s Health Bill on Monday, Mr Amos shared a constituent’s recent experience to highlight the urgent need for change.

He said: "Jeff told me of their grandson Ryan, who was admitted to the ward a couple of weeks ago.

"The lack of air conditioning meant that temperatures there exceeded 30C over the past week.

"No wonder medical staff have fainted in the heat while looking after mothers and children who are baking in single-storey flat-roof buildings, buildings that were put up for the United States army as a temporary measure during the Second World War and never replaced."

Mr Amos urged Mr Murray to honour his predecessor’s promise of a meeting to discuss bringing forward the Musgrove Park Hospital project.

Following the debate, Mr Amos reiterated his call for urgent action.

He said: "I’ve written to the new Health Secretary to follow up my speech calling for a meeting – he needs to listen to the pleas of patients and staff and act with the urgency the position at Musgrove Park Hospital demands.

"For too long, Somerset was ignored under the previous Conservative Government."

In response, a spokesperson for Musgrove Park Hospital said: “The building that houses the maternity unit at Musgrove Park Hospital is nearly 80 years old and is not fit for purpose. It is part of the New Hospitals Programme, but the start of the build has been delayed until 2033.

“We continue to work closely with the Department of Health and Social Care to secure investment that will allow us to urgently replace these facilities. In the meantime, we have an ongoing programme of maintenance, repairs and improvements to support our colleagues to continue delivering safe, high-quality care.

“Recent improvements include the installation of air conditioning in two of the main wards, helping to improve comfort for patients, families and staff during periods of hot weather. However, we recognise that some areas of the maternity unit can still experience higher temperatures. We closely monitor conditions during warmer periods to help ensure everyone using the unit remains as comfortable as possible.

“If you are currently pregnant or have any questions or concerns about your care, please reach out to your community midwife. If you are worried about you or your baby’s health, please call the 24/7 maternity triage line on 01823 343985. Our trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and the independent Somerset Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership are also there to support you.”