NHS Cheshire and Merseyside May 2026 Blog
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
You will no doubt have seen recently that a number of passengers from MV Hondius were welcomed at Arrowe Park Hospital, where they are being appropriately monitored and supported.
As per the multi-agency joint statement, we want to reassure the public, and particularly those who live and work in Wirral, that the risk to the general public remains very low.
The hospital is operating completely normally. All planned services are continuing as usual and patients, visitors and staff should continue to come to the hospital with complete confidence. Our guests are accommodated separately from all patient-facing areas and robust infection control measures are in place.
On a separate note, I would like to congratulate all new and returning candidates elected following last week's local elections across Halton, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens.
Strong partnerships with local authorities are essential to improving health and care services and tackling health inequalities across our communities.
Chair Sir David Henshaw and I recently met with the leaders of all nine local authorities across Cheshire and Merseyside, and we look forward to continuing those conversations in the coming months.
Congratulations to Liverpool Place for being named a regional champion in the Neighbourhood Health category at the first-ever NHS Excellence Awards. This fantastic achievement reflects the dedication and innovation of local teams working collaboratively to bring care closer to home.
I also warmly welcome the news that the Tobacco and Vapes Bill has now received Royal Assent, paving the way for the first smokefree generation. This landmark legislation represents an important step forward for public health and our shared ambition to prevent illness and reduce health inequalities.
Finally, our new ‘Make the switch’ campaign has been launched, which aims to help patients better understand why they may sometimes be offered a different version of their medication.
Switching medicines when recommended by a clinician is safe, effective and also helps the NHS reduce prescription costs so more funding can be invested into essential services.
Liz Bishop
Chief Executive
NHS Cheshire and Merseyside