Future of Local A&E Services – Simonswood Parish Council Position

The NHS has begun consulting on proposals to bring children’s and adult A&E services together on a single site — either at Southport Hospital or Ormskirk Hospital. However, we note with concern that the NHS has chosen to notify residents by post only in Formby and Skelmersdale, despite the fact that these changes will directly affect communities right across West Lancashire, including Simonswood.

Simonswood Parish Council is opposed to children’s A&E services moving to Southport. Councillors believe this change would negatively affect residents across West Lancashire.

Why We Oppose the Move to Southport

• ❌ It would reduce accessibility for West Lancashire residents

• ⏱️ Emergency travel times would increase from 17 minutes to 31 minutes

• 🚁 Ormskirk is the only hospital with a helipad

• 🏥 Ormskirk’s semi-rural location gives it space to expand, allowing it to accommodate both children’s and adult A&E services

Public Q&A Session

👥 Parish Councillors will be attending the public Q&A session to raise these concerns on behalf of residents:

• 📍 Ormskirk (Aughton) Ministry Centre at Christchurch

• 📅 Monday 23rd September

• 🕠 5:30–7:00pm

How You Can Help

We encourage all residents to take part in this important consultation. Your voice matters.

• 📹 Watch the NHS video: “Your future A&E for Southport, Formby and West Lancashire”

• 📝 Complete the official survey: yoursayshapingcaretogether.co.uk/have-your-say

• ⌚ Register to attend a Q&A session in September: yoursayshapingcaretogether.co.uk/consultation-events

• 🔁 Share this update with friends and neighbours to spread the word

💬 Together, we can stand up for keeping A&E services accessible for West Lancashire.