MP says scanner loss makes tests 'less accessible'

An MRI and CT scanner has been removed from a community hospital, with the local MP arguing her rural constituents will now struggle access the tests elsewhere.

Rachel Gilmour, the Liberal Democrat MP for Tiverton and Minehead, said the equipment, temporarily installed at Minehead Community Hospital in 2025, should be made permanent.

She said she has spoken to the health secretary about the issue, arguing it would be cheaper for the NHS to keep a scanner at the site.

The Somerset NHS Foundation Trust said the uptake on the equipment had been low.

Ms Gilmour said her constituency has poor transport links and an elderly demographic, arguing moving appointments to Taunton could be costly for some patients - potentially costing up to £180 in taxis.

"The whole point of having a CT scanner here was it's more accessible for people in West Somerset... and it makes sense in terms of plans for the NHS," she added.

"If you find that somebody is ill early, it's easier to cure them or indeed prevent them getting iller so it saves the NHS money and it's much more easy for my constituents."

Gilmour added she will be setting up a petition to campaign to keep the equipment in the hospital.

Adam Turner, head of imaging at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, said: "To manage existing demand prior to the opening of the Bridgwater CDC, relocatable CT and MRI scanners were temporarily placed at Minehead and Bridgwater community hospitals.

"Scanners have been located in Minehead since August 2025 and in this short period, the uptake for appointments has been comparatively low, leading to poor utilisation rates."

He added: "We want to provide services in local communities where possible and we will continue to look for opportunities to do this in Minehead."

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.