MP Rosie Cooper was called by the Speaker of the House of Commons to ask a question of the Prime Minister at Wednesday’s PMQs.

She took the opportunity to challenge Theresa May over the Government’s plans to invest in building new hospitals, while sites such as Ormskirk are being underutilised.

In March, the Health Secretary pledged to build a new hospital every year, while locally Southport and Ormskirk Hospital are investigating their options as part of a Trust-wide review of services, with potential for Southport to become a 'hot site' leaving Ormskirk as a 'cold site'.

“One of the biggest ever reviews into services offered by Southport and Ormskirk Hospital Trust and where they are located is now underway," said the MP.

“I have previously stated that I will never accept any move or proposal to downgrade or close Ormskirk Hospital, and will defend our local health service.

“This Government has shown that there is money available for investment in the NHS, so it is clear to me that the money is best spent expanding current sites to better meet patient demand, which is a far cheaper option than building new sites altogether.

“I was pleased with the Prime Minister’s response and we must agree that decisions should take serious account of local interests with clinicians putting forward the best proposals for patients.”