MP launches campaign to bring children’s A+E back to Southport

Southport MP Damien Moore has launched a campaign to return a children’s A+E service to Southport.

Southport and Formby Hospital on Town Lane stopped offering a paediatric A+E service in 2003, with the department moving to Ormskirk.

A “temporary” overnight closure of children’s A+E at Ormskirk since 2020 has prompted renewed calls to return services to Southport.

The Member of Parliament for Southport is now asking residents to sign a petition in support of the return.

Damien Moore MP said: “Southport needs a Children’s A&E, and our town’s residents can help make it happen. This is why I’m launching a petition to support the return of this vital service, and I’m asking residents across Southport to take 30 seconds and add their names.

“The children and families of our town, alongside the thousands of people who visit here every week, deserve to be supported with the highest level of healthcare, 24/7. It is unacceptable that a child requiring emergency care between midnight and 8am must travel over 45 minutes to Liverpool for treatment.”

Southport & Ormskirk NHS Trust has been partnered with St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals since last year following concerns over number of “fragile” services, difficulties acquiring stuff and the trust’s financial position.

Damien Moore continued: “It’s great news that the Health Minister will soon convene a meeting of key parties to re-start talks on the return of the service, which was lost in 2003 at the direction of the then-Labour Government. This is a fantastic development, and shows that we are at a critical juncture. The more people that sign the petition, the stronger our case for the Children’s A&E becomes.

“I urge my constituents and those across our community who care about children’s healthcare to register your support today, and crucially to share this petition with friends and family. Together we will fight for the return of a full Children’s A&E service at Southport Hospital.”

OTS News has approached Southport & Ormskirk NHS Trust for comment.