RADICAL plans to overhaul some health services in Runcorn could be sped up following a government cash injection.

Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has received £90,000 from the Government’s One Public Estate (OPE) programme.

The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) has also been given a further £60,000 to develop collaborative projects which make the best use of public buildings and land.

A consultation took place recently on plans to offer ophthalmology, audiology, and dietetics outpatient appointments from a new hub at Runcorn Shopping City.

Proposals were also unveiled to move some breast services from Warrington Hospital to the Captain Sir Tom Moore Building – formerly known as Cheshire and Merseyside Treatment Centre – at Halton Hospital.

Health chiefs said the new funding could now accelerate these plans.

The trust, which were supported in its application by Halton Council, said the funds will also enable it to review all available public sector estates across Warrington, with a view to providing services in what it called ‘the most convenient and accessible spaces for the public in future’.

Halton Borough Council Leader, Cllr Mike Wharton, said: “By working together on this innovative project we aim to make the best use of what we have as a city region so that we can continue to provide our residents with quality health services, but also offer more choice and provide better value for money.”

Lucy Gardner, director of strategy and partnerships at Warrington and Halton Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, added: “This is an exciting opportunity to work with our local public service partners to ensure we can provide accessible high quality services that cater for the needs of our local populations and support the economies of both boroughs.

“Any proposals that develop as a result of this work will be developed in partnership with our communities, and this will include extensive public consultation and engagement.”