The public are being invited to discuss proposals for a new diagnostic and treatment centre at The Horton Hospital in Banbury.

The meeting will give people the chance to ask questions about plans for the future of health care in the area.

A multi-million pound project to build a diagnostic and treatment centre is due to start at The Horton in 2005.

It would mean patients would not need to travel to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

The unit would include additional beds and theatres, freeing up existing emergency facilities and reducing patient waiting times.

Special interest clinics would be run by GPS and nurses to increase efficiency.

Cherwell Vale and North East Oxfordshire Primary Health Care Trusts are holding the meeting to consult about what community-based and hospital services are needed.

The meeting will be chaired by Anita Higham, chairman of Cherwell Vale Primary Care Trust.

Speakers will include representatives from both PCTs and the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust.

Barry Thomas, chief executive of Cherwell Vale Primary Care Trust, said: "We want to involve the public at all levels and in all aspects of the planning process.

"We won't be unveiling any firm proposals, but we will bring people up to date with our current thinking on a new diagnosis and treatment centre."

The meeting will be held in Banbury Town Hall on Tuesday, July 15, from 6pm to 8pm.