GEORGE PARISH has battled for more than 15 years to save services at Banbury's Horton hospital – and now he has spoken about his plans for the future.
The Keep The Horton General Campaign leader is still in jubilation after the panel set up to decide the hospital's fate said it would not approve downgrading proposals by the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals Trust.
It was the third time he had seen off
threats to services – after separate campaigns foiled plans for downgrading in the 1990s.
Now he is hoping to support other campaigns for similarly threatened hospitals across the country.
"We were approached a few weeks ago by campaigners for Eastbourne (District General] Hospital but I haven't spoken to them since the IRP's decision," he said.
"It would be good if we could use our experience to help them."
Despite last week's victory Mr Parish does not think he will have lots of spare time on his hands.
"I am still a Labour councillor and there is still work to be done in my estate," he said. "It is not over because the trust has been given the job of putting together a plan of how they are going to put it right.
"There is something always round the corner – we have to be on alert.
"We know there has to be change, but if it is not change for the better then I will oppose it."
Mr Parish was appointed as chairman of the Keep the Horton General campaign after Banbury MP Tony Baldry called a meeting at the town hall in 2004 to discuss the threats.
Speaking about the victory, the man dubbed Mr Horton added: "I feel very proud. I think I can sleep easier now.
"I have always thought I have to fight for things. I am 66 and that hospital has been there for me and my family all my life."
