A NEW petition has been launched by local MP Gideon Amos, this time calling on the Government to bring forward a planned new maternity and paediatric unit project for Musgrove Park Hospital to end the Wellington area’s ‘maternity crisis’.

Mr Amos has also written to new Health Secretary Yvette Cooper asking for an urgent meeting to discuss the scheme and inviting her to visit Musgrove.

The Government has promised funding for the project, but not until 2033.

Mr Amos said: “The current buildings were put up for the US Army as a temporary measure during the Second World War and never replaced.

“The recent National Maternity and Neonatal Investigation laid bare the poor conditions, including leaking roofs and inadequate temperature control.

“Musgrove’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 toward giving mums and babies the support they need.”

Mr Amos said he understood women from North Devon were being sent to Musgrove after their own maternity unit was closed, which followed a year-long closure in Yeovil.

He said: “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 anybody.

“This is about demanding action from our new Prime Minister and new Health Secretary.”

Mr Amos told Ms Cooper how one of her predecessors, Wes Streeting, had promised to meet him and to bring forward the project if he could.

He said: “I would ask that you honour this and meet with me to discuss proposals to bring forward this vitally-needed project in the year ahead.”

The petition can be found on the local Liberal Democrat website.