Councillor Jane Hanna OBE has highlighted the critical need for high-quality hospital and primary care services as the population in the OX12 area is projected to grow by 55% between 2011 and 2031. The Wantage Town Council Health Committee, working in collaboration with the NHS, has committed to organizing a meeting to explore ways to improve services at the local hospital. While a meeting date has yet to be confirmed, the committee, chaired by Councillor Hanna, continues to monitor the hospital’s performance closely.
Councillor Hanna remains positive about recent developments aimed at enhancing healthcare access. Notably, the hospital resumed its maternity services in January after these were suspended in August 2021 due to staffing challenges. However, concerns have recently emerged regarding the availability of physiotherapy services. A shortage of staff had previously forced patients to travel outside Wantage for treatment—an issue the health sub-committee of Wantage Town Council deemed unacceptable.
The committee labeled local health services as “inadequate” and sent a formal complaint to the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West integrated health system (BOB). Councillor Hanna later met with hospital staff, who confirmed the reinstatement of physiotherapy services. Despite this progress, she is determined to address remaining issues, including service gaps, at an upcoming meeting with the NHS to ensure the hospital provides comprehensive care.
This recent recovery in hospital services is part of a broader initiative that began in 2021. Pilot programs were launched for services such as ENT (ear, nose, and throat), audiology, ophthalmology, and mental health. Councillor Hanna mentioned that in November last year, local leaders called for the NHS to finalize a substantial change toolkit for temporarily closed services across Oxfordshire. These efforts brought tangible results, with maternity beds reopening earlier this year, much to the community’s relief.
Ahead of the anticipated April meeting, a cross-party group has started gathering information from the NHS. This meeting will evaluate hospital service plans and the implementation of the new national care model. Additionally, Oxford Health’s proposed workshop is expected to include input from BOB’s local place director, which Councillor Hanna supports as a step forward toward accessible and high-quality healthcare for the growing community.
If you’re searching for health-related services in Wantage, visit our Health Care (NHS) or Health Care (Private and Alternative) categories in the Wantage business directory. You can also create your free business profile or submit local events via our directory platform by visiting Submit a Listing.
For additional resources or information about Wantage-based support services, explore the Support Groups and Services section of our directory.
Source: Publicly available information and verified updates.
