CARES - PRESS RELEASE, 14th June 2005

The results of a recent health / hospital survey undertaken by CARES have been released. The survey was distributed throughout local schools and children’s play groups in and around Southport and Formby.
The survey asked parents for their views on services provided at both Ormskirk and Southport DGH’s, their accessibility, views on the proposed health village, as well as the need for Accident & Emergency facilities in Southport. The results have showed that there is still a clear desire among local residents to see children’s A&E reinstated to Southport; however, with all the changes taking place parents are now considering taking their children to Alder Hey.
Cath Regan and Angela Weatherby, Co-Chairs of CARES said:
"The results have made interesting reading. People broadly welcome the proposed walk in centre as a new addition to the overall health package in the town, but when asked to make a choice between a new walk in centre or the reinstatement of A&E at Southport the results showed that 97% of respondents clearly want to see A&E reinstated at Southport. "
A significant issue that has been highlighted is that with all the changes taking place between Southport and Ormskirk a large number of parents would currently choose to take their sick or injured child to Alder Hey, bypassing Ormskirk altogether.
"People are split evenly on their rating of the services provided at both Ormskirk and Southport Hospital but they are still finding it difficult to find Ormskirk Hospital. There seems to be a message here for the Local Authorities and Trust Board that more should be done to improve access to Ormskirk hospital as well as car parking issues at both hospital sites."
CARES committee
C/0 192 Sandbrook Road, Southport, PR8 3RW
Tel: 01704 571920