Update - trust denies there is any plan to downgrade the Horton children's ward

The Banbury Guardian was sent a message yesterday (Monday) to say there would be an emergency meeting today (Tuesday) to discuss making the children's ward 'ambulatory' - where children needing overnight care, or presenting at night, would have to travel to Oxford.

The paper contacted OUH last night to ask whether there was any truth in the information and informed the trust the paper would be writing a story on the message first thing today.

The trust has responded this afternoon to say: “We are not downgrading paediatric services at the Horton General Hospital.

“As part of our continued response to the COVID-19 pandemic and our preparations for any future surges, we are working across the Trust to ensure that our services, including Paediatrics, are able to run safely, with the right staffing, social distancing, PPE and processes in place to protect both staff and patients.

“In paediatrics, across both the Horton General Hospital and the John Radcliffe, we are working to mitigate the new challenges that the pandemic has brought to the service and our medical and nursing staffing. Patient and staff safety is always at the forefront of our discussions, alongside ensuring quality of care and service continuity for our local population.”

A source at the Horton has told the Banbury Guardian today that there is to be a staff meeting this evening to discuss future planning.