Council continues to raise concerns over proposed changes to children’s emergency services

West Lancashire Borough Council has agreed a motion to write to the joint committee made up of the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board and NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board who are considering the closure of the Children’s Accident and Emergency department at Ormskirk Hospital in order to relocate services to Southport Hospital.

At a meeting of full council last night, Members raised concerns about aspects of the process followed by the joint committee, including how the consultation options were developed, elements of the public consultation process and the consideration given to feedback from the Joint Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillors also expressed the view that the proposed changes are not in the best interests of health service provision in West Lancashire and will take any and all further steps or actions in relation to challenging the decision, including but not limited to the consideration of a call-in, support for other call-in requests, appeal, complaint or judicial review, as appropriate.

Neil Eccles, Director of Planning, Economy & Wellbeing said: "Health and wellbeing is a key priority of the Council, so scrutinising the processes undertaken to reach this decision is crucial to ensure full transparency for our residents.

"I will write to the NHS Joint Committee to formally set out the concerns raised by members and share this with other relevant parties like scrutiny bodies and members of Parliament. The Council can consider its next steps once a response has been received."

The Council will continue to engage with relevant health partners and scrutiny bodies as the process progresses.