Our Engagement: Ormskirk District General Hospital
On Wednesday, 16th July 2025, Healthwatch Lancashire attended an engagement event at Ormskirk District General Hospital. Our representative Emmy spoke with patients about their healthcare experiences at the hospital, including issues around accessing services.
Emmy also engaged with patients to listen to their experiences for our ongoing project around disability voices and access to services.
On arrival at the hospital, Emmy spoke with a porter who was supportive and helped her set up for the pop-up engagement. Throughout, the volunteers at the hospital were welcoming and came over to speak with us about what we were doing.
Overall, Emmy found that patients were happy with their experiences of care at the hospital. Patients commented on how quickly they are seen and how friendly the staff are.
A volunteer was present at the front of the hospital, greeting patients and supporting, but at busy times the volunteer had many patients to help navigate to the right place. There was some confusion over the physio department as there was no signage in the main building, but one of the volunteers was on hand to help them with directions. Ormskirk Hospital Popup 16th July 2025
The list below features some of the feedback Emmy received from patients during the visit. For this report, only comments regarding the hospital are included:
• The disabled bays are much easier now that they have been repainted, and it appears that there are more spaces than before, which is great. It is so easy to register for a blue badge here. You can come into the main entrance and use the phone provided to give your details, and you will be registered, no fuss or stress.
• I am using physio currently and it’s a long walk from the main entrance to the physio building. I had to use a wheelchair a few months ago, and they are not suitable for taking patients outside, only inside.
• I think more could be done in terms of BSL for patients, I’ve been seeing a few patients coming into the hospital who require BSL immediately and its taken a while to sort, some staff could possibly be trained to make these circumstances easier.
• I have been to the maternity unit today, and the staff are lovely and explained everything fully to me.
• Registering a blue badge at both Ormskirk and Southport is easy. I don’t know a trust like it, it’s very clear and straightforward. Also, the new disabled parking is much easier now you can see the lines and spaces clearly.
• I have been down to X-ray today and I was early, and they called me in early. The staff were nice and friendly, and even better, I am leaving before my original appointment time.
• I have just been to the urgent treatment centre, and they are amazing. I didn’t have to wait long, and the staff were so lovely to me. I can’t complain at all, I got here for 9:30 am and parked with no trouble.
• I’ve had an appointment with pre op today, and don’t get me wrong, the nurses are lovely and friendly. But I saw a consultant,t and it wasn’t the same, unfortunately. I didn’t feel they listened to me, and I felt like another number.
We would like to thank the staff and volunteers who helped us on the day of the visit, and for their continued support in Healthwatch. We are keen to continue working together moving forward, and look forward to establishing the views of the community.