Like so many in this constituency, I had all my children in Musgrove Park Maternity Unit, so it holds a special place in my heart. The 1940s facilities seemed old then and I’m dismayed to see that nothing has changed. While the high-quality care is not in question, the staff are working in challenging antiquated conditions.

Having played my part in attracting £79 million to build the new theatre complex at Musgrove Park Hospital and £11 million towards the health transformation services across the area it is time now to turn attention to upgrading the maternity unit and I was pleased to have a detailed visit recently.

The hard-working staff must be commended across the board and special congratulations for attaining a UNICEF Gold Standard for baby friendly care and support, with a focus on encouraging breast feeding. Something I persevered with for all three of my children and I can vouch for its merits. Additional training is provided for neonatal staff; midwife time spent to help new mums has been doubled and each clinical ward in maternity has a breast feeding champion.

Nevertheless, after speaking with the team at Musgrove it is clear that the maternity unit and the paediatric wards are in dire need of an upgrade. I have already highlighted this to Health Secretary Matt Hancock and am following up with a meeting in September to discuss the hospital’s ambitions for a new unit which will include facilities for children’s mental health.

The other end of the care pathway is no less important and I am delighted that the Prime Minister listened to my representations for increased funding for our invaluable hospice service and has announced an extra £25 million for hospices and palliative care services that work alongside the NHS, in many cases providing high quality end of life care in the community – a godsend during my husband’s illness.

Government is also providing further support for NHS commissioners to shape and deliver services in line with the Government’s End of Life Care Choice Commitment which sets out what everyone should expect from care at the end of life and actions to make high quality and personalisation a reality for all.

REBECCA POW

Taunton Deane MP