Trauma ward restored at Banbury's Horton

The trauma ward was subjected to controversial cuts in 2016 when 45 beds were closed in all and the 18 trauma beds moved to Oak Ward .

But from today (Monday) the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust has moved the 18-bed unit back to F-Ward with the option of reopening the ten closed beds once nursing staff are recruited.

The restoration of the unit means surgeons and their team - which includes a specialist in elderly people’s recovery - will be able to take overload from the JR, Oxford.

That in turn will help the JR avoid fines for missing operation waiting times.

“The Horton General is ranked as the best in the country for the treatment of patients with hip fractures, according to the 2017 National Hip Fracture Audit,” said a spokesman.

“The unit will also include a transition area for intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy to aid patients’ recovery.”

Also from today the Horton’s Renal Dialysis Unit is in its new permanent home on Oak Ward.

There are six dialysis stations but the Trust has plans to double the capacity to 12 stations so more Banburyshire people can dialyse locally instead of having to travel to the Churchill Hospital in Oxford for their treatment.