Local Liberal Democrats have launched a campaign to expand NHS services in Taunton and Wellington.

Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for the area, Gideon Amos, is supporting the plan to introduce new NHS medical hubs, the return of NHS dentists, a new maternity unit for Musgrove, a 'cancer patient guarantee' to ensure cancer patients received treatment within 62 days and to provide social care for free.

Mr Amos launched the campaign in Comeytrowe, alongside former Business Minister Sir Vince Cable and a number of Lib Dem councillors.

Speaking at the event, Sir Vince said: "Meeting Comeytrowe residents showed me just how much this part of Taunton needs additional GPs and medical facilities after the former Conservative council agreed the 2,000 new homes now being built here.

“I'm delighted to help launch Gideon's campaign for a new NHS hub for Taunton, backed by the area’s councillors Habib Farbahi and Dawn Johnson. 

"It's clear Taunton and Wellington needs an MP who will fight for our local NHS and it's clear too that Gideon has the ability and the commitment to make a brilliant MP who will really stand up for this area".

Mr Amos said: "If enough people back this new campaign, we could get both a new medical hub, including more GPs and dentists here in Taunton and Wellington, and move forward the campaign for a new settlement for our NHS and social care needed at national level.

“For too long government has delayed vital NHS funding like the need replace World War Two era buildings at Musgrove Park Hospital.

“My first priority for our health service in Parliament will be to end the delays and get Musgrove Park the funding it needs”.

Local councillor for Comeytrowe, Habib Farbahi, said: "All our constituents hugely value the ability to get a timely appointment at their local surgery.

“General practice is the front door of the NHS and all our GPs, Dental practices, nurses, clinical pharmacists, and the wider medical team do an amazing job.

“It is vitally important to secure the right medical facilities for our medical teams before the building of thousands of homes is contemplated and it’s a shame the previous council administration failed to put any in place here in the Comeytowe Orchard Grove urban extension.

“I have therefore begun working with Gideon and the council, now we have a Lib Dem majority administration, to bring all partners together with the aim of delivering a new medical hub in our area.

“I’m delighted we’re launching this campaign to hear from local residents – if enough support the idea we can really make progress”.