Health secretary Frank Dobson needs more time to decide on the fate of Oxfordshire hospital beds.

Oxfordshire Community Health Council appealed against plans to close Watlington and Burford community hospitals and to cut 52 beds in the county.

In a letter to Tom Fellows, chairman of the CHC, Mr Dobson said he had been giving the matter considerable thought.

But he added that he wanted to explore the options further before making a decision.

He wrote: "I realise that a further delay may be disappointing, but I hope that this approach will enable a realistic way forward and ensure that as a result of this consultation any changes in Oxfordshire will lead to a modern and dependable health service."

Mr Dobson has asked for further discussions with the CHC, primary care groups, the health authority and community health trust.

Mr Fellows said: "We are very conscious of the influence which some 70,000 members of the public have had through their letters and petitions on this subject. Their suggestions are invited on the future role of community hospitals and the options which should be explored."

Meanwhile, Witney MP Shaun Woodward was today tabling a Commons question asking Mr Dobson what the impact of the proposed closures would be in the county.

Story date: Tuesday 02 March

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