On Sunday 21 August, hundreds of Banbury residents joined together to show their support for the Horton maternity unit and stand against proposals to downgrade it to a midwife-led only service.
The demonstration took place following the announcement by Oxford University NHS Foundation Trust that unless sufficient middle-grade obstetric staff could be appointed to the Horton maternity unit by the autumn, it would have to cease, temporarily, delivering high risk or emergency maternity care.
If implemented, the changes will result in the vast majority of Horton births being relocated to the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, leaving hundreds of expectant mothers having to deliver their babies in Oxford instead of Banbury. Any unexpected delivery problems will also have to be handled at the John Radcliffe meaning that should complications arise at the Horton, mothers will be transferred by ambulance, mid-delivery, to the JR.
Over 4000 people joined Victoria, cross party representatives and the Keep the Horton General (KTHG) to hold hands around the perimeter of the Horton in a demonstration of unity against the proposals. Many of those there were families whose babies had been born at the Horton.
Victoria commented: “I was thrilled to see so many people turn out in support of our much-loved hospital. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it was lovely to see so many ‘Horton babies’ join in the demonstration, showing just how important our local hospital is for all of us. The maternity unit is a vital lifeline for hundreds of families in Banbury, Bicester, and Brackley, the surrounding villages and beyond - we must continue to work hard to prevent a downgrade of its services.”