More than 1,600 people back call to fast-track new Taunton maternity unit
Campaigners want the Musgrove Park Hospital project brought forward from 2033
More than 1,600 people have signed a petition calling for a new maternity and paediatric unit at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital to be built years earlier than planned.
The unit is included in the Government's funding programme, but it is not currently scheduled to be delivered until 2033.
Campaigners want it brought forward, arguing the current facilities are no longer fit for purpose.
Why the campaign was launched
The petition was launched earlier this month by Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos.
He said the existing buildings were originally put up for the United States Army as a temporary measure during the Second World War and were never replaced.
Gideon said: "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."
He added: "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."
'A crisis in maternity'
Gideon said he had been told that births at North Devon District Hospital were being suspended, and some patients from that area may end up at Musgrove.
He said this followed Yeovil's maternity ward being closed for a year before reopening in April.
Gideon said: "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."
He said the campaign was not about blaming anyone, but about demanding action.
Gideon said: "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."
Call for a meeting
Gideon has written to the Health Secretary asking for an urgent meeting to discuss the project and inviting her to visit the site.
He said one of her predecessors, Wes Streeting, had promised him a meeting before his resignation, having stated in January that he would bring the project forward if he could.
Gideon said: "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."
Government response
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "This Government inherited a broken NHS with the hospital estate left to crumble, and maternity and neonatal services in need of major reform.
"Every family deserves the best start in life, and thanks to this Government, the Musgrove Park project is on a realistic and deliverable footing. We will continue to work with the Trust so it is delivered as quickly as possible.
"At a national level, we have committed £187 million to improve maternity and neonatal facilities. This funding will address issues such as fire safety, ventilation issues and outdated infrastructure - creating safer environments for mothers and newborns."