NHS top bosses make decision to move A&E to SouthportOverall more people preferred the Ormskirk option but those living near Southport and Formby preferred the Southport oneView Image Southport Hospital (Image: IYA)Top bosses have decided to move an Accident and Emergency Department to Southport despite “clear and vocal opposition” to the idea. ‌On March 13, top bosses on the boards that oversee the running of NHS services across Cheshire and Merseyside as well as Lancashire and South Cumbria made a decision on the future location of Accident & Emergency (A&E) services in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire. The decision was made to relocate the children’s A&E from Ormskirk Hospital to Southport Hospital and extend it to a 24-hour service, together with the existing 24-hour adult A&E. Overall more people preferred the Ormskirk option but those living near Southport and Formby preferred the Southport one. Following the decision, they said local NHS organisations “will look to further improve urgent care services in West Lancashire”.

Source: Daily Mirror March 13, 2026 15:18 UTC