The NHS decision to move children’s A&E from Ormskirk to Southport Hospital has drawn sharp reactions from politicians, health officials and residents, with opinion divided along geographic lines.
Southport MP Patrick Hurley welcomed the vote, calling it “the end of a hard-fought campaign to restore high-quality emergency care to the children of Southport.”
“The streamlining of regional A&E services will allow our local NHS to reduce staff shortages, cut down on treatment times and deliver a better standard of care,” Mr Hurley said. “I will work hard to ensure the service provides the best possible outcomes for families across our community.”
Craig Harris, chief commissioning officer at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria, said the committee had based its decision on “the public consultation findings alongside clinical, financial, equalities, workforce and quality evidence.”
He stressed that Ormskirk Hospital would remain open. “Ormskirk Hospital will continue to provide key services to patients, including outpatient services, urgent treatment, planned care, diagnostics and inpatient services,” Mr Harris said. “It is vital to remember that currently 86% of activity is not A&E.”
Rob Cooper, chief executive of Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, acknowledged the weight of the decision. “I recognise that this decision will be significant for many of our staff and communities,” he said. “Changes will not happen quickly. It is estimated that delivering this decision could take a minimum of three years.”
On social media, reaction reflected the divide that has run through the entire consultation.
Southport residents who have spent years travelling to Ormskirk for children’s emergency care welcomed the news. “At last,” wrote Karen Price. Anne Keeling said: “It has been a nightmare to get children to Ormskirk when you do not drive.”
But others questioned whether Southport Hospital can cope. Rebecca Watling wrote: “Big mistake. No parking hardly ever. A&E up to seven hours wait time. They are overrun and understaffed.” Vicky Ball called it a “stupid decision,” adding that “Southport cannot even handle adults A&E.”
Several residents argued both hospitals should have retained full emergency departments. Neil Oldham wrote: “Great to have it back in Southport but ridiculous to be closing Ormskirk. Both towns should have their own hospital. People will end up dying because they will not be willing to travel that distance especially at night.”
West Lancashire MP Ashley Dalton, who was present at the meeting, said immediately after the vote that she intended to appeal the decision to the Secretary of State for Health, a move that could delay or block implementation.
The NHS has said both A&E departments will continue to operate at their current hours throughout any transition period, and that detailed planning will take a minimum of three years before any services move.