Investing in local services, such as Wantage Community Hospital on Garston Lane, is considered crucial by community leaders as the town continues to expand. Explore local healthcare services in Wantage.
The Vale of White Horse District Council has announced that close to £1 million will be dedicated to the regeneration of the hospital’s ground floor. This development aims to enhance the range of health and care services offered and increase clinic space by eight rooms, with completion expected by Spring 2026.
Emma Leaver, interim chief operating officer for community health services at Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, expressed delight over the successful funding application. “The works will not only make the hospital fit for purpose, it will allow us to increase the overall number of services offered to local people and improve access for patients, carers, and their families,” she said.
The renovation plan includes new services, such as a dedicated area for children and adolescent mental health services.
The £950,000 funding will come from the Community Infrastructure Levy, collected from new building developments to enhance local infrastructure. A study by 24housing.co.uk highlighted Vale of White Horse’s impressive growth, ranking it among the top 10 UK local authorities for new builds with 228.7 houses per 10,000 from 2020 to 2023.
Significant developments include Kingsgrove, where 1,500 homes are under construction, and the Grove Airfield development, which will feature 2,500 homes.
The local Liberal Democrat MP, who recently visited the hospital, emphasized that the refurbishment would lessen the need for travel to major hospitals outside of Wantage. “Using developer contributions to fund health, leisure, and education infrastructure, or projects like a new station at Grove, is the right approach,” said the MP. However, he stressed that additional government investment is vital for ensuring that local facilities are in place before new homes are occupied.
Sarah James, leader of the district’s Greens, echoed the call for developers to contribute to infrastructure. “For residents on the rural edge of Wantage, this will make a big difference to the ease and cost of getting to appointments,” she stated. Visit our directory to find local services that support the community.
Mark Coleman, a council representative, reinforced the importance of investing in the community’s health and wellbeing, marking it as a priority. “There is a growing need for a wider range of health and care services in the Wantage area – so this investment in expanding the space at Wantage Community Hospital is very welcome,” said the Liberal Democrat cabinet minister for finance.
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