ICB CEO visit to Ormskirk and Skelmersdale strengthens local partnerships
Date posted: 19th January 2026
ICB chief executive Aaron Cummins spent Friday (16 January) in West Lancashire to visit local services and see first-hand the work of the NHS and partners in neighbourhoods. The visit provided direct insight into services, partnerships and communities in Ormskirk and Skelmersdale, and helped deepen understanding of needs of communities and how care is delivered across the area.
The day began with a tour around Ormskirk Hospital with Dr Kate Clark, director of strategy at Mersey and West Lancashire Trust, before visiting the urgent treatment centre, run by HCRG Care Group, led by Dr Victoria Jeffrey.
The next stop was Digmoor in Skelmersdale. Volunteers who run the community centre and shop gave an insight into the support they offer residents. Local GPs, social prescribing leads and the District Council joined a round table session to discuss targeted demand management, collaboration across services and partners and opportunities in the area, including the ambition for a new neighbourhood health centre.
The visit continued in Skelmersdale town centre with Kathryn Moffitt, community and wellbeing manager at West Lancashire Borough Council, and a tour of the Walk in Centre, which plays a key role in local urgent care.
The day ended back at Ormskirk Hospital with Rob Cooper, chief executive of Mersey and West Lancashire Trust.
Demonstrated throughout the visit was strong partnership working in neighbourhoods across West Lancashire with a clear purpose to improve people's health and wellbeing, and tackle inequalities in outcomes, experience and access.