In common with other hospitals, attendances at A&E and admissions into hospital are up 10% since last year.

This is affecting the experience of patients and the ability of staff to work effectively as the Trust tries to accommodate more beds in increasingly limited space at Southport and Formby District General Hospital

At the same time, the Trust has empty and under-used wards at Ormskirk District General Hospital.

To free up space at Southport hospital, the outpatient physiotherapy team temporarily began working out of Ormskirk hospital on 7 December. However, outpatient physiotherapy service continue to be provided at Southport hospital as necessary.

The vacated space at Southport has become a ward for patients who are waiting, or will be shortly ready, to go home from hospital.

The Trust also plans to reopen E ward at Ormskirk in January for use by inpatients who need orthopaedic rehabilitation. This will make up to 14 more beds available at Southport.

Steve Christian, Chief Operating Officer, said:  “We have not taken these decisions lightly but they are essential to avoid lengthy delays at admission, and keep patients moving safely and in as timely way as possible to going home.

“I want to thank every one of our staff whose commitment and dedication to patients, and support for each other, has been at the heart of the great care we give even at the most challenging of times.”

Updated 16 January 2020