HL Deb 07 July 2003 vol 651 cc18-9WA
Lord Fearn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What plans they have to improve the road between Southport and Ormskirk (A570) following the amalgamation and transfer of services between Southport Hospital and Ormskirk Hospital under the Ormskirk and Southport Health Trust. [HL3603]

Lord Davies of Oldham

I have asked the Acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Stephen Hickey, to write to the noble Lord.

Letter front the Acting Chief Executive of the Highways Agency, Stephen Hickey, dated 7 July 2003.

Lord Davies of Oldham has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the Highways Agency's plans to improve the road between Southport and Ormskirk (A570) following changes to the arrangements for delivering National Health Service health care locally.

Discussions are still ongoing to hand over responsibility for the A570 to Lancashire County Council. There are no plans to carry out improvement works to the route prior to the hand over. Subsequent improvements would be a matter for Lancashire County Council as the successor highway authority.

We are aware that the local Ormskirk and Southport Health Trust have decided to concentrate the children's Accident and Emergency (A&E) facility at Ormskirk, with Southport Hospital handling adult A&E cases. This means that children from the Southport area will be taken to Ormskirk Hospital for treatment, which I know has raised concerns about the move. We were not involved in that decision, but assume the Trust proceeded with the move in consultation with the Ambulance Service, which will be aware of travelling times on the A570.

I hope this is helpful. If you would like any further information about this matter, please contact the Agency's Route Manager for the A570, Alex Miller, Room 710, Sunley Tower, Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester M1 4BE—Tel 0161 930 5627.