This week Bishop Michael was in Taunton to meet patients and staff at Musgrove Park Hospital. He spoke to those in the Intensive Care and Accident and Emergency units, the Chaplaincy Team and representatives of the various colleague networks throughout the hospital. Bishop Michael was also given an overview of the plans for the new Somerset Maternity and Paediatric unit that is to replace the current facility which dates back to the Second World War.
Bishop Michael said, “It was a privilege to visit Musgrove Park Hospital and to see our NHS in action. Among the staff who serve us at Musgrove it was inspiring to see such professionalism and expertise combined with such warmth and humanity.
“A place like Musgrove Park is an astonishing collection of many different moving parts – from those on reception to those renewing the buildings, those offering critical care to those serving up meals and nourishment – nurses, doctors, porters, cleaners, trustees, maintenance staff and of course many more. I could only be struck at the way everyone was working as a team to enable so much to happen. And of course this is all happening in the face of budget squeezes and limitations. People are going the extra mile at Musgrove.
"During the visit it was brilliant to meet the chaplaincy team and to see them in action, serving and offering kindness to people of different faiths and of none. It was great too to encounter the wellbeing and inclusion staff who are working so hard to care for staff and to make sure that everyone’s contribution at Musgrove is honoured and appreciated.”
Colin Drummond, Chair of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust warmly thanked Bishop Michael for spending so much time with us and said "It was a wonderful boost for patients and colleagues alike in our very busy hospital."