Conservative candidate for North Oxfordshire, Victoria Prentis, welcomed the Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt to Banbury today. During his visit, Victoria had the opportunity to show Mr Hunt the Horton General Hospital site, and its surrounding area. She was also able to give him a copy of her response to the Transformation Programme Phase One consultation and to explain in detail the challenges facing the Horton.
In particular, they focused on travel times to Oxford, population growth, traffic congestion, and patient safety. They were also able to talk to local residents and experience part of the journey to Oxford.
Victoria Prentis commented: “I have frequently discussed the future of the Horton with Mr Hunt, and have invited him to visit the site for some time. I was very pleased that he was able to do so. It was very helpful that he could come to Banbury in order to understand our concerns.
The Horton is a worry for us all; I continue to work closely with local elected officials, as well as the Department for Health. We need acute services in Banbury. Despite the election campaign, we must continue to put pressure on the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to ensure the future of services at the Horton.”