Plans to open a new health facility in Runcorn had to be rearranged at the 11th hour after the person due to cut the ribbon was struck down by Covid.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram had been scheduled to officially launch the new health hub in Runcorn Shopping City but fell ill with the virus, leaving East Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury having to step in as a last minute replacement.

The hub on Orchard Walk is thought to be one of the first of its kind in the country and offers a range of services such as eye and hearing clinics, nutrition, flu and Covid jabs and extended GP access.

A former B&M store, the site was completely refitted, making it easier and more accessible for patients to attend appointments.

The new facilities came from the Liverpool City Region Town Centre Fund which set aside £6m - up to £1m for each of the six member local authorities, including Halton - to support plans to revitalise town centres. The fund also helped set up the new Citizens Advice centre opposite.

It was also announced during the launch that the health trust has secured funding to expand the hub's services too, with a sleep clinic due to be one of the new additions to its services.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Amesbury said: "It's brilliant to be here officially opening a new facility, which will help actually drive down some of those frustrating waiting lists and ensure that services are delivered in our community."

The Halton Health Hub was also supported by over £500,000 in funding from Warrington and Halton NHS Trust with additional paediatric play equipment funded by £6,000 in donations from Halton Borough Council and One Halton.

The hub  aims to offer 72 appointments each week. GPs have established an acute respiratory hub service three days per week, with GP extended access due to commence in February.

Further funding of £1.3m from NHS England’s Community Diagnostic Centre programme has been secured by the trust to offer additional services, including sleep studies, blood services and ultrasound later in the year.

Speaking after the launch, Mr Rotheram said: "Being a member of the Liverpool City Region means that Halton can benefit from region-wide investments, like my Town Centre Fund.

"Projects like these might not otherwise have been possible before devolution, which has given areas like ours the opportunity to chart our own course and invest in schemes that will make a genuine difference to our residents’ lives."