Community hospital gets £1m for revamp

An Oxfordshire hospital has been given almost £1m to refurbish its ground floor.

Wantage Community Hospital will use the funds to accommodate more clinic-based physical and mental health services.

The majority of the funding comes from Vale of White Horse District Council, plus a "significant legacy" left to improve the hospital.

Councillor Jane Hanna said: "I am delighted at the progress that has been made and the funding that has been allocated for investment in our local community hospital."

Outpatient services at the hospital, which have been piloted over the last two years, will continue, with building work due to be completed later this year.

Ms Hanna said a public meeting was scheduled for late February, when more details would be provided on the design and anticipated timelines for work, along with the likely new services.

"Everyone has come a long way in agreeing that future, which we will see coming into fruition from later this year," she added.

Dr Ben Riley, Oxford Health's Chief Operating Officer, said: "This investment will help us to make real our vision for more local healthcare provision in the community.

"Working in partnership with our health and care partners and the local community to make the case for the funding has been hugely important.

"It has directly shaped the building designs and the discussions about the services that will come to the refurbished hospital in the future."

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