Wantage and Grove residents have been participating in significant consultations regarding the future services at Wantage Hospital. These discussions are part of a joint report prepared by the NHS and the Wantage Town Council Health Committee.
The refurbishment plan, which hinges on securing community investment levy funding from the Vale of White Horse District Council, aims to enhance the hospital’s services. A public meeting at The Beacon’s Lockinge Room on June 18 will precede the funding application. For other initiatives and activities in the area, visit the local events and business directory.
Public Meeting for Transparency
The public meeting, scheduled from 6 pm to 7.30 pm, will host representatives from the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board. They will outline the community engagement process so far, present the draft refurbishment design, and share plans for the ground-floor services. Residents’ feedback will be a vital part of shaping the final proposal for funding, which will be submitted later this year.
Refurbishment Schedule and Services
If the funding application is approved, renovation work is expected to begin later this year and conclude by Summer 2025. Services are planned to start operating from early 2025. Another public consultation on the final design and service configuration will take place this Autumn.
Importantly, the hospital’s top-floor maternity unit will remain unaffected by these changes. Several outpatient services trialed since November 2021 will continue, including:
- Ophthalmology
- Audiology
- Mental health services
- GP clinics
- Learning disability support
- Diabetes screening
- Physiotherapy
Additionally, current offerings such as podiatry, adult and children’s speech and language therapy, and children’s integrated therapy services will remain available. The school nursing team, part of the adjacent health centre’s 0-19 healthy child and young person’s service, will also stay in its current location.
Collaboration with Healthcare Providers
The hospital is working closely with multiple healthcare providers, including Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Principle Medical Ltd, Connect Health, and Health Share. Together, they are crafting viable solutions that reflect residents’ needs and make optimal use of the ground-floor space.
Since the engagement process began last Autumn, local input has been instrumental in determining the best service configurations for Wantage and Grove. Proposed improvements aim to introduce diverse and sustainable services while maintaining key offerings that meet the community’s healthcare needs.
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