THE new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has pledged to look at the timing of a new maternity and paediatric at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital in his first speech to the House of Commons.

The unit has been included in the government’s funding programme but isn’t scheduled to happen until 2033.

Nearly 3,000 people have signed a petition launched by Mr Amos for the scheme to be brought forward.

The calls come after a major new £87 million surgical centre opened in Musgrove Park Hospital replacing World War Two era buildings on the site.

Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos told the Prime Minister: “Over the summer, the National Maternity Review confirmed what we all feared in Taunton, which is that Musgrove Park Hospital's maternity unit is the most challenging estate in the country.

“It cannot be right that mums are giving birth in 30-degree heat and staff are fainting when they're looking after them.

“If that's the most challenging estate in the country, they cannot wait until 2033.

“Will the Prime Minister please look at moving forward the new maternity unit at Musgrove Park as an urgent priority?”

The Prime Minister replied by telling of his personal experience at Musgrove Park.

“I remember well visiting in my Health Minister days. I did some work shadowing at the hospital, so I know how much in need it is of renovation. I will look into the issue.

“I think across the NHS this summer, staff have been working in unbearable conditions, same for patients as well.

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

“I know the Health Secretary has this high on her agenda,” the PM said.