Emergency services for children could be relocated

RMSKIRK District Hospital's emergency services for children could be moved to Southport, under ideas being considered by regional NHS bodies.

- BY WESLEY HOLMES

But the idea has sparked opposition and a petition.

Ormskirk Hospital currently provides women and children's services including A&E, surgery and maternity. In the past, adult A&E services were relocated to Southport.

Now, NHS regional bosses are looking at focusing 24/7 emergency services for people of all ages at one site for West Lancashire, Southport and Formby.

This would bring long-term financial, patient care, expertise and infrastructure benefits, NHS chiefs believe. NHS bosses have announced plans to 'bring services together' at one site, accepting patients from Southport, Formby and West Lancashire.

The proposals have been put forward by the NHS Shaping Care Together Programme (SCT), the authority in charge of how NHS services are provided in Southport and Formby and West Lancashire.

Involved in the programme are Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board, and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board.