Prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, Jane Hanna OBE and Jenny Hannaby, both councillors, successfully garnered bipartisan support for a motion that sought affirmative commitments within the Wantage and Grove area. The Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board presently oversees this area.
In response to the health crisis brought on by the pandemic, Wantage Community Hospital launched pilot schemes for temporary outpatient clinics. These clinics offered a range of services including podiatry, physiotherapy, audiology, ophthalmology, and psychological therapies, thereby allowing residents to access crucial health services locally without the need to travel to larger cities.
Despite such positive developments, the councillors have expressed concerns over the lack of follow-up discussions or actions on these initiatives since 2020.
The Wantage Health Committee, consisting of local councillors, health advocates, and members of the League of Friends, alongside the joint Oxfordshire Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (HOSC), has worked diligently throughout 2023. Their primary goal has been to address the longstanding issue of decreasing inpatient beds, a challenge first encountered in 2016.
To foster progress, the NHS organized a one-day workshop in June, convening the Wantage Health Committee and various community stakeholders. The resulting series of meetings helped pave the way for tangible progress, leading toward a public engagement phase.
Building on these efforts, councillor Jenny Hannaby scheduled a public meeting on January 11, 2024, at the Silver Band Hall, to provide updates and gather further community feedback. Hannaby reassured residents that the hospital would remain operational, continuing to provide essential services, such as maternity care. She also revealed that discussions are ongoing about the future use of the hospital’s ground floor.
In the midst of challenges like the pandemic and the ongoing cost of living crisis, the Wantage Health Committee has persistently pushed for the expansion of services at the hospital. Meanwhile, the Health Overview Committee has urged all health partners to collaborate and take actionable steps toward improving the facility.
Councillor Jane Hanna OBE, chair of HOSC, commended the extensive efforts to explore viable solutions for the future of the hospital. She outlined that several options had been presented to the public during consultations, including the return of inpatient beds, potential permanence for the temporary outpatient clinics, their expansion, and the inclusion of urgent care services as well as other much-needed provisions.
Additionally, the NHS confirmed to HOSC that community infrastructure levy funds from the Vale could contribute to supporting Wantage Hospital’s business case. Along with funding from other NHS partners, these resources would help establish a sustainable path forward for the hospital.
Expressing her gratitude, Councillor Hanna extended thanks to all who took part in the consultation and shared their perspectives. The next step involves presenting finalized plans for the hospital alongside public feedback at the January 11 meeting. A follow-up review of the report by HOSC is scheduled for January 16.
For those looking to participate in Wantage’s vibrant community activities or simply wishing to contribute, consider exploring our **[local directory](https://wantage.com/directory/)** for upcoming events or registering your business profile for free. If you wish to submit a new event or listing, you can do so **[here](https://wantage.com/submit-listing/)**.
