Horton scrutiny committee is expanded to work towards Banbury hospital 'masterplan'

The Horton Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HHOSC) spent a year from 2018 hearing evidence from mothers, campaigners, midwives, hospital chiefs and commissioners on the loss of full, consultant-led maternity in 2016.

A final decision on its work has been expected from the Secretary of State for Health but has not so far been made public.

Now Oxfordshire County Council has agreed that the committee should extend the scope of its work to scrutinise a longer term project to develop a masterplan for Banbury's district general hospital.

A proposal to broaden the scope of HHOSC was proposed by its chairman, Deddington Conservative councillor Arash Fatemian and seconded by Bloxham and Easington Conservative councillor Kieron Mallon and passed unanimously.

The move allows HHOSC's local councillors and members to examine the business plan for the Horton and the 'active pursuit of capital investment' to improve the hospital site.

Mr Fatemian said: “I am proud of the work that the Horton HOSC has done over the past two years in holding the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust and the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to account on maternity provision.

"Our job is far from over and we have not given up on this fight but we also need to consider the long-term future of our hospital. The masterplan for the Horton will be critical in shaping how healthcare in Banbury is delivered for decades to come and I am pleased that local representatives will be directly involved in that future direction.

"The future of the Horton matters to us all here in Banbury. I am grateful that, in light of local concerns, the Trust and the CCG have confirmed paediatric provision at the Horton will not be downgraded and am encouraged by their ambitions for the future of our hospital. We have a real opportunity to create a new vision for thriving, fully functioning general hospital fit for the needs of our growing community.

"Horton HOSC stands ready to scrutinise all plans for the Horton and will continue to be a strong voice for the residents of Banbury and the wider Horton catchment.,” he said.

Mr Mallon said: “Banburyshire residents, local councillors and MPs and the Keep the Horton General Group (KTHG) have long campaigned to save and improve services at the Horton.

"We have always been at our strongest when we are united and one of the main strengths of the Horton HOSC is the widened catchment area with representatives from Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Northamptonshire all involved. So we call on Warwickshire County Council and Northamptonshire County Council to follow Oxfordshire’s lead and pass a similar recommendation.

"As we work towards an ambitious future vision for the Horton, the Trust and the CCG’s masterplan will require local scrutiny. We have had challenging Horton HOSC meetings in past, but we do not apologise for that - that is our role. And we will continue on in that vein in the best interests of our hospital and the community it serves.”

Keep the Horton General Campaign Group spokesman Charlotte Bird said: "KTHG is very pleased and reassured to hear that HHOSC’s powers are to be increased.

"It is vital that the existing services at the Horton remain intact. As an ‘interested party’ we look forward to being involved in the future plans for the development and extension of the site and facilities."