The recent report by Baroness Amos has unveiled serious failings in maternity care across several hospitals, raising alarm bells about the adequacy of healthcare provision in Oxfordshire. As a direct response, local MPs have lobbied for additional funding to bolster services at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. However, this approach overlooks a crucial aspect of the problem—the centralization of maternity and obstetric services away from Banbury’s Horton General Hospital to Oxford. 

The decision to strip Horton General Hospital of its full maternity services has placed an immense burden on expecting mothers in Banbury and the surrounding areas. The stress and potential risk of traveling to Oxford for essential services can be overwhelming, especially in urgent situations. We believe it is vital to return these services to Horton General to ensure that every woman has access to safe, high-quality, and local maternity care.

Reinstating full maternity and obstetric services at Horton General Hospital is not just a matter of convenience; it is a matter of safety and equity. Local healthcare facilities must be equipped to handle all aspects of maternity care to reduce the pressure on John Radcliffe Hospital and improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

Moreover, this centralisation of services directly contradicts the core values of our healthcare system—to provide accessible and comprehensive care for all. With the growing population in Banbury, the importance of having fully functional maternity services at Horton General cannot be overstated. It is vital that we prioritize the health and wellbeing of all families in Oxfordshire.

By signing this petition, you will be advocating for a healthcare system that serves all its inhabitants fairly and efficiently, and that values lives over budgetary constraints. Please sign and help us urge decision-makers to restore full maternity and obstetric services to Horton General Hospital and ensure better healthcare for our community.