Work has begun to develop a new £12.5 million multi-specialty acute assessment hub at Musgrove Park Hospital.

Patients who may need urgent surgery at the hospital in Taunton will benefit from the new purpose-built hub as it will bring surgeons, emergency doctors and other healthcare professionals closer together, and provide a much better environment for patients and staff.

The development involves moving the hospital’s current surgical assessment unit closer to the emergency and X-Ray departments, which will enable patients to be assessed by surgical teams more rapidly to determine whether they require emergency surgery or can be discharged home.

The new hub, set to open to patients in early 2022, is a major part of the Musgrove 2030 programme – creating state-of-the-art buildings that offer patients safe, effective, and personalised care, based on the most advanced treatments, technology, and innovations in healthcare.

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow said: “Since becoming the local MP I have worked hard to achieve more investment to help improve local health services and I am delighted that work is underway on the new acute assessment hub at Musgrove Park.

“This project is part of the Musgrove 2030 programme, which involves upgrading many buildings across the entire hospital site, and I was pleased to work with stakeholders to help secure the necessary funding commitments from Government.

“The hub will further enhance the already outstanding care given to the people of Somerset by the hospital staff and particularly improve the outcomes and experiences for those who need surgery.”