Work starts on Horton maternity outpatient clinic redevelopment

Work has begun to redevelop the maternity outpatient clinic at the Horton General Hospital, part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH).

The project, which will take approximately 10 weeks to complete, represents a significant investment in facilities for expectant mothers and their families, and will enhance the clinic’s capacity to deliver safe, high-quality care.

The £115,000 redevelopment will include:

•    Two brand-new clinic rooms
•    A redeveloped clinic room incorporating scanning facilities
•    Upgraded bathroom facilities, including a new accessible toilet
•    A new midwifery station in the waiting area, improving visibility, support, and communication
•    Full redecoration of the clinic area
•    Improved handwashing facilities in every clinic room.

These enhancements will also enable the introduction of three new high-risk obstetric clinics each week at the Horton, delivered by specialist teams from the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.  These are expected to start in the new year.

During the period of work, clinics will continue to run as planned and the project team will aim to keep noise and disruption to a minimum.

Milica Redfearn, Director of Midwifery at OUH, said: "We are delighted to be investing in the future of maternity care at the Horton. These upgrades will allow us to offer an improved environment for patients and staff, while also expanding the range of specialist care we can provide locally. 

“We are grateful to colleagues at BOB ICB for their generous donation of a new ultrasound machine, which will support the delivery of high-quality, personalised care for women attending the clinic."

Yvonne Christley, Chief Nursing Officer at OUH, said: “This is fantastic news for mothers and families in Banbury, and demonstrates our commitment to investment at the Horton.

“By offering these improved facilities and additional clinics, we will be able to offer expert care closer to home for local families in addition to the excellent care provided by the staff in our midwifery-led unit.”

The project is expected to be completed in December 2025.