The funds will enable Wantage Community Hospital to expand its clinic-based services, encompassing both physical healthcare and mental health. This investment marks a significant step towards enhanced healthcare infrastructure in the region.
Wantage and Didcot MP Olly Glover expressed his appreciation for the dedication of all involved, stating, “I very much welcome the investment to improve outpatient facilities at Wantage Community Hospital. This reflects the hard work of many local councillors, including county councillors Jane Hanna and Jenny Hannaby. Health infrastructure has lagged behind the rate of housing growth in and around Wantage for many years, so it is great to see partnerships working to bring forward this refurbishment using Community Infrastructure Funding.”
The majority of funding is sourced from the Vale of White Horse District Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy Fund. Over nine months of extensive collaboration led to an increase in the initial budget estimate from £600,000 to nearly £900,000. This adjustment reflects the community’s identified needs to provide more localized care and integrate mental and physical healthcare services within the hospital.
County Councillor Jane Hanna, representing Wantage and Grove, commented, “I am delighted at the progress that has been made to date and the funding that has been allocated for investment in our local community hospital.” A public meeting set for late February will outline the design and anticipated refurbishment timelines for the hospital’s ground floor, along with an overview of the new services expected to utilize the space.
Councillor Hanna further shared on Facebook, “Great investment in Wantage Community Hospital and all residents in the local area. Excited to share that the hospital is getting near one million capital (up from £600,000 promised), saving clinics that save residents a day trip to Oxford hospitals with new clinics planned from September 2025. Jenny [Hannaby] and I have been meeting with the NHS every two weeks. The strong support from Wantage Town Council Health Committee and Oxfordshire County Council Health Scrutiny, including local Councillor Dr. Paul Barrow and MP Olly Glover, demonstrates the impact of robust collaborations among local organizations working towards a common goal.”
The investment agreement, backed by Wantage Town Council, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxfordshire County Council, and Vale of White Horse District Council, highlights a unified effort to enhance local healthcare services. Residents are encouraged to attend the public meeting on February 27 at the Silver Band Hall for more details on the hospital refurbishment and new clinical services set to benefit all age groups.
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