Join the 1,600 calling for new maternity unit
More than 1,600 people have so far signed a petition calling on the Government to bring forward the new maternity and paediatric unit project at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital and end the “maternity crisis”.
It was launched earlier this month by Taunton and Wellington MP, Gideon Amos, who has also written to the new Health Secretary, Yvette Cooper, asking for an urgent meeting to discuss the scheme and inviting her to visit.
The unit has been included in the government’s funding programme – but isn’t scheduled to happen until 2033.
Gideon said: “I'd like to thank everyone who has added their names to this call. To receive such amazing support for the petition demonstrates the strength of feeling across the whole community of Taunton and Wellington.
“I want to see action and, just like people across our area, I want to see it now – not in seven years' time.
“The more who add their name, the stronger the case I can put to the government. This response boosts my resolve to keep fighting for the scheme to come forward, sooner rather than later.”
When he launched the petition, Gideon said: “The current buildings were put up for the United States Army as a temporary measure during the Second World War and never replaced.
“The recent publication of the National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation laid bare the poor conditions including leaking roofs and inadequate temperature control. Musgrove Park's maternity buildings came out worst in the region, if not the country, and only recently a birthing centre was closed because of rats.”
“Trying to improve services in buildings which are patently not fit for purpose is seriously holding back progress towards giving mums and babies the support they need.”
Gideon said he has also been informed that births at North Devon District Hospital were being suspended and some patients from that area may end up at Musgrove.
“This comes following Yeovil’s maternity ward being closed for a year before it was thankfully reopened in April. All this points towards a crisis in maternity, in recruitment, retention, and the facilities in which mothers and babies are cared for. It is saddening to receive so many emails and messages from both staff and patients who are worried about the maternity crisis.
“This is not about blaming anyone. This is about demanding action from our new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and his new Health Secretary. Staff deserve better; mothers and babies deserve better.”
In his letter to the Health Secretary, Gideon said one of her predecessors, Wes Streeting, had promised a meeting with him prior to his resignation, having stated on BBC Radio Somerset in January that he would bring forward the project if he could.
“I would ask that you honour this and meet with me to discuss the Trust's proposals to bring forward this vitally needed project in the year ahead.
“I would also urge you as strongly as I can to visit and see the unit for yourself.
“I know the Trust and we in Taunton and Wellington would warmly welcome you.”
You can sign the petition here.