The children’s accident and emergency department at Ormskirk hospital will close temporarily overnight from Monday 6 April 2020.

The department will close at 10pm until 8am each day until further notice. Ambulance patients will be taken directly to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool.

The hospital’s usual children’s A&E service will operate at all other times.​

Trish Armstrong-Child, Chief Executive of Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust, said the challenges presented by Covid-19 (coronavirus) had forced the temporary closure on the Trust.

She said: “I know the closure will concern people but the Trust cannot maintain safe and effective emergency medical cover overnight at Ormskirk while the focus of our staff is on coronavirus.

“I want to thank Alder Hey for taking care of our children at this time. They will be in very safe hands.”

Parents needing urgent medical advice should use the NHS 111​. In an emergency, always call 999.

This booklet, When Should I Worry – your guide to coughs, colds, ear ache and sore throats, also provides information for parents concerned about the health of a child. It should not be relied on for children aged three months or less. Babies younger than this can respond differently to infection.

A&E for adults at Southport and Formby District General Hospital continues to operate as normal.