The move entails relocating children's A&E from Ormskirk Hospital to Southport Hospital and extending it to a 24-hour service, together with the existing 24-hour adult A&E.

Craig Harris, chief commissioning officer at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria, said: ‘The joint committee has made the decision based on the public consultation findings alongside clinical, financial, equalities, workforce and quality evidence. The recommended way forward outlined in the decision-making business case and subsequent decision remained the strongest option. 

‘Ormskirk Hospital will remain open and continue to provide key services to patients, including outpatient services, urgent treatment, planned care, diagnostics and inpatient services. There is active investment planned for the site and it's vital to remember that currently 86% of activity is not A&E.

‘We have conducted a fully robust pre-consultation engagement and subsequent consultation process, which was thoroughly considered before making a decision.'

Rob Cooper, chief executive of Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: ‘I recognise that this decision will be significant for many of our staff and communities. 

‘While we take time to reflect on the outcome, I want to be clear that changes will not happen quickly. It is estimated that delivering this decision could take a minimum of three years, allowing the time needed to plan safely, invest appropriately and work through the practical implications.

‘Throughout this period, we remain fully committed to working closely with our staff, patients and local communities to ensure everyone is actively involved, kept informed and able to shape how these changes are developed and introduced. Our priority remains the delivery of safe, sustainable and high quality urgent and emergency care for the populations we serve.'