The retention of the full services of a General Hospital in Banbury is crucial as the town and its catchment area expand rapidly. The Horton Hospital serves not only Banbury but also a large, mainly rural area. Many patients in this area lack access to transport links due to local bus service cuts, resulting in a lengthy and circuitous journey to Oxford. This unnecessary pressure can negatively impact a patient’s overall well-being.
Within the Horton’s catchment area, three areas experience significant deprivation. Residents in these neighbourhoods cannot afford a car or taxi to get themselves and their families to and from Oxford. The recently introduced congestion charging in Oxford has only added to the pressure for these families.
Hospitalisation at the John Radcliffe Hospital also presents difficulties for family and friends to visit patients. The lack of direct contact with loved ones is detrimental to recovery and well-being.