Banbury MP Victoria Prentis condemns hospital report

Horton General Hospital was visited by the Care Quality Commission on October 23, 2023, and the subsequent findings were shocking.

The hospital’s maternity ward, which is overseen by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, was found to be keeping out-of-date suppositories and equipment.

Medicine was also being stored at the incorrect temperature which posed a risk to mothers while not all staff were aware of the correct procedure to clean the birthing pool.

The hospital unit was visited by inspectors in October of 2023. (Image: Horton General Hospital)

Banbury MP Victoria Prentis, who was born at the hospital, has reacted to the findings and labelled them as “extremely disappointing”.

She said: “The Care Quality Commission’s recent inspection of the Horton’s maternity unit is extremely disappointing, not least because the hospital’s overall rating has also now moved to “Requires Improvement”.

“Like so many Banbury residents, I was born at the Horton and many generations of my family have relied on it over the years.

“The findings of the report must be taken seriously and it is critical that the maternity service provides the best possible care to expectant mothers.”

Banbury MP Victoria Prentis. (Image: Ed Nix)

The 52-year-old politician did accept that there were some positive outcomes from the report but maintained that improvement at the unit is enacted.

“The CQC does recognise that the unit has a safe staffing level and that there is good leadership in place,” added Ms Prentis.

“It also makes some positive observations about the range of maternity services at the Horton and work done by staff to tackle health inequalities in the local community.

“However, it is clear that important improvements do need to be made to processes, practices and procedures.

“Having spoken to the Trust earlier this week, I have been told that some action has already been taken since the inspection took place in October 2023.”

The findings were extremely disappointing according to Victoria Prentis. (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Prentis is looking to follow up the inspection with some talks of her own with the Care Quality Commission to ensure changes are made.

“I will be meeting the CQC in the coming weeks to discuss their findings in further detail,” she said.

“In the meantime, I am reassured that they will keep a close eye on the unit in the months to come.

“I will also continue to remind the Trust that they need to do all they can to make sure the Horton’s maternity service is fit for purpose.

“Expectant mothers must be confident in where they choose to have their babies.”