Councillor Mike Prendergast, Leader of the Conservative Group on Sefton Council and spokesperson for Southport Conservatives, has welcomed the growing likelihood that Children’s Accident and Emergency Services will return to Southport after more than two decades.
Last week, local representatives from both Sefton and West Lancashire had their final joint meeting to raise questions and hear the results of the consultation. Many local people have submitted their views and signed petitions supporting the return of vital services to Southport Hospital.
The local NHS have made it clear that their preferred option is for full emergency services to be returned to Southport Hospital, including Children’s A&E, with £33 million of investment and around 350 new parking facilities being created.
Commenting Mike Prendergast said, “It’s looking increasingly likely that Southport Hospital is going to see Children’s A&E return, over 20 years since it was taken away. It’s vital for local families that we see this service return.”
“This is incredibly positive news for families across Southport and the wider area,” he said.
“For more than two decades families have had to travel to Ormskirk, or even further after midnight, for urgent care for their children. The return of Children’s A&E services would be a hugely important milestone for our town. We are a town of over 90,000 people with thousands visiting everyday, we need to see this service back in Southport.”
“As a father to two young children, I know how important it is for local families to have a fully functioning A&E department, including a Children’s A&E service, here in Southport. The current journey to Ormskirk can easily take around 30 minutes and after midnight, you’re looking at a 45 minute drive to the nearest Children’s A&E service from Southport.”
He also paid tribute to the many local residents, campaigners, healthcare professionals and community groups who have worked tirelessly to keep the issue on the agenda.
“At a local government level, councillors from all parties on Sefton Council have supported calls to bring children’s A&E back to Southport. That cross-party backing shows just how important this service is to our community,” he added.
“This progress is a testament to the persistence and determination of the many people who have campaigned for years to see these services restored. Their voices have been heard.”
The final decision on local emergency care services will be announced on Friday 13th March.
