Staff accommodation at the Horton General Hospital now open

Newly refurbished key worker accommodation is now available at the Horton General Hospital, part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH).

Tenants have recently moved into the Westway and Magnolia accommodations following the completion of fire safety upgrades and extensive refurbishment.

Delivered in two phases, the project has substantially improved the quality, safety, and overall living conditions of the accommodation. The total cost of the two phases of this Trust project was £50,000 and £80,000 respectively.

Phase one focused on fire safety enhancements, including the installation of new fire doors throughout both buildings, and the implementation of advanced fire alarm systems. Magnolia was also fitted with a strobe alarm system to support residents who are hard of hearing.

Following the safety upgrades, both units underwent comprehensive refurbishment and furnishing in phase two. Each room was redecorated to a high standard, featuring new carpets and modern furniture to ensure comfort and functionality.

Donald Tuhumwire, Sonographer at OUH and one of the new tenants, said: "I recently joined OUH and moved to Banbury.

"It's almost impossible to secure accommodation while one is in a different country. It was extremely helpful not to have to go through the hassle of finding a place right away before getting a chance to explore the area.

"The flats are newly furnished with every essential item for anyone new in the area, from bedding material, excellent bathrooms, clean toilets to kitchen appliances, laundry machines, and stylish furniture.

"It is a great place to live. I am grateful to have such assistance."

Yvonne Christley, Chief Nursing Officer at OUH, said: "This is an important project. Staff accommodation provides much-needed, good-quality housing for our dedicated hospital staff that will serve them well for many years to come.

"It is challenging for many staff members to find high-quality, affordable accommodation near the hospital. This is particularly true for new staff arriving in Banbury for the first time, as arranging suitable housing can be both daunting and time-consuming.

"We are therefore delighted to be able to provide these affordable homes for our new staff. Helping them settle into the area is crucial."