Parliament receives petition for new Warrington and Halton hospitals

The campaign was spearheaded by Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury, who called on residents to unite to back his bid for investment in the two sites.

Backed by more than 1,500 people, the online petition calls on the Government to create two new hospital campuses, one in each area, as part of its New Hospital Programme.

It is believed that a new Warrington Hospital would cost around £317million, while the project to rebuild Halton Hospital would require around £93million.

Mr Amesbury, whose constituency includes east Runcorn, said: “I would like to thank everyone who signed my petition in a relatively short period of time.

“The Government talks a lot about levelling up. Well if levelling up is to mean anything, then tackling health inequalities must be part of that approach.

“That is especially the case given Halton Hospital – within my constituency – is not only located in a deprived neighbourhood, but parts of the hospital estate are more than 45 years old.”

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury launched the petition

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust recently submitted a third funding bid to the Government to build the new hospitals after two previous attempts failed.

That was after the Department of Health and Social Care invited expressions of interest from NHS trusts for eight new hospitals as part of its New Hospital Programme, with a decision expected this spring.

Mr Amesbury added: “The petition, which only went live in January, shows there is very strong local support for two new hospitals fit for the future.

“Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership has also designated the project its ‘top priority’.

“The people of Halton and Warrington should be able to access best-in-class NHS facilities and services on their doorstep.

“I am imploring the Government not to let them down for a third time.”