The contract covers diabetes, stroke and neuro rehabilitation, and intermediate care therapy, as well as an all-age podiatry service.

A spokesperson for NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB said: ‘Community health services play a vital role in supporting people to live well and independently in their own homes.

‘In line with the Government's long-term vision, we want to move care away from hospitals and closer to people's homes. The decision to award a single contract is intended to provide greater stability for community services, support closer partnership working and create a strong platform for ongoing improvement and transformation.'

The contract will cover West Lancashire, a predominantly rural district with a population of around 118,000 people, including Skelmersdale, Ormskirk and surrounding villages and runs for three years, from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031, with the option to extend for a further two years.