A GROUP of health experts - the independent reconfiguration panel - has submitted its recommendations on the future of the Horton Hospital, Banbury, to Health Secretary Alan Johnson.

However, its report will not be made public for a month - and by then Mr Johnson, who has the final say on the issue, could have made his decision.

The panel investigated proposed changes at The Horton, which include the downgrading of maternity and children's services and closing the special care baby unit.

Panel chairman Dr Peter Barrett said: "We met a wide range of local people including patients, clinicians, staff, interest groups, and MPs, and we have listened to all sides of the debate.

"Our job was to provide recommendations to the Secretary of State that will offer local people safe, sustainable, and accessible healthcare services.

"Our key focus throughout the review was the patient and the quality of care."

The IRP was asked to look into the proposals, put forward by the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, after the joint health overview and scrutiny committee said the plans were not in the best interests of patients in north Oxfordshire.