Gideon Amos, the Liberal Democrat MP for Taunton and Wellington, will host a major “Rebuild Our NHS” public meeting on 30 May to address growing public concern over NHS services, particularly NHS dentistry and investment in Musgrove Park Hospital. The event will begin at 7:30pm at the CIC Memorial Hall on Paul Street, Taunton, and is open to the public free of charge.
The public meeting follows overwhelming community engagement with a recent local survey on NHS dentistry, completed by more than 2,000 residents. Amos described the response as “extraordinary” and said it underscored the urgent need for open dialogue and expert input on the state of NHS services in Somerset.
NHS Dentistry Crisis Spurs Action
Amos launched the survey to gather local insight into ongoing problems with access to NHS dental care. He says the feedback revealed widespread frustration and highlighted the “real-life consequences” of what he described as a “broken system.”
He commented: “I was blown away by the number of responses. It’s clear that people want their voices heard. This meeting is the next step — a chance to present the survey findings, engage in public discussion, and get direct answers from health professionals.”
Panel of Experts to Address Public Concerns
The panel will include Dr Lucy Pendered, a recently practising Taunton GP; Jonathan Mynors-Wallis from the British Dental Association; and Cllr Sarah Wakefield, Somerset Council’s lead on Social Care. Together, they will provide insight into the pressures facing frontline health and social care and answer questions from the public.
Support for Musgrove Park Hospital Investment
The event also follows Amos’s recent calls in Parliament for greater investment in Musgrove Park Hospital — calls that were backed by Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey during a recent Prime Minister’s Questions session.
Amos hopes the meeting will create a platform for constructive conversation, ensuring local voices help shape future healthcare decisions. He is encouraging all residents with concerns or ideas about NHS services to attend and take part.
