MP Damien Moore says he will fight hard to ensure that A&E services remain at Southport Hospital as local people are invited to give their views on how NHS services in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire will change.

Health leaders in the region have this week launched ‘Shaping Care Together’, a programme of work designed to improve local health provision.

The initiative will explore how health and care services are accessible, effective and operated by skilled staff to meet everyone’s needs. Care should be integrated with other services so that patients are supported by the services they need as quickly and safely as possible.

Southport Conservative MP Damien Moore said: “Shaping Care Together is a wide-ranging review of hospital services in our area which will look at what works well, what doesn’t and how we can improve on what we have.

“I would encourage everyone in Southport to give their views on what services they would like to see at Southport Hospital, Ormskirk Hospital and elsewhere. Your voices need to be heard.

“I will be giving my views, and I want to lead the charge to keep our Accident and Emergency department here at Southport Hospital.

“That is my ‘red line’, and I will fight hard to ensure that happens.

“Ideally, I would also like to see the children’s Accident and Emergency department return to Southport Hospital as well.

“I am aware that the maternity unit was transferred from Southport Hospital to Ormskirk Hospital several years ago, but the main benefit of that is that Southport children can still be born in Lancashire!

“People need to respond and give their views so the NHS can help shape local services for years to come and hopefully retain the essential services we need here in Southport.”

Views are being sought on what currently works well at Southport and Ormskirk hospitals as well as in primary and community healthcare services and in particular, what steps should be taken to improve the following:

• frail and elderly care
  
• when you have an urgent or emergency care need
  
• services for children including those who have complex needs
  
• services for women who are pregnant and for the new-born
  
• gynaecology – dealing with women’s reproductive system
  
• sexual health services for all genders
  
• planned care, such as follow-up outpatient and/or subsequent admissions as part of ongoing treatment.

Shaping Care Together is led by NHS Southport and Formby CCG NHS West Lancashire CCG and Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust and is the first stage of a process to understand patient experience and views before any proposals to solve the challenges faced are considered.

This programme will last throughout 2021 and there will be many opportunities for local people to have their say.

No decisions have been made and the NHS is seeking views which will inform its thinking and proposals for change.

Over the coming months there will be lots of different ways for people to get involved but first views can be shared on the dedicated website: www.yoursayshapingcaretogether.co.uk

People who do not feel comfortable using the internet can call 01695 588025 to receive paper copies of a questionnaire.