A SHAKE-UP of services at Banbury’s Horton Hospital is being planned by health chiefs which could see more specialist treatment offered in the town.

Health boss Sir Jonathan Michael has set out his future vision which could bring more day surgery and a kidney dialysis centre to the hospital in Oxford Road.

Sir Jonathan, chief executive of the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, confirmed his commitment to creating a dialysis centre for 24 patients, who would not have to travel to the Churchill Hospital in Oxford for treatment.

He told the Oxford Mail yesterday: “What we are doing is looking at the number of patients that potentially live in this area, and also space where we could put a dialysis facility.

“In my past experience as a kidney physician, I spent much of my life setting up kidney units. I know when you open and establish a facility then people come and use it.”

Sir Jonathan said: “There is planning going on in the background.

“We are keen to do it, but haven’t got an exact date yet.”

The news was welcomed by campaigner Miranda Berry, who has been fighting for a dialysis centre in north Oxfordshire for more than two years.

Her husband Stephen, 52, has to make a 50-mile round trip three times a week to the Churchill Hospital.

Mrs Berry, of Kenilworth Way, Banbury, said: “Having a centre practically on our doorstep will turn life around for Stephen and for me.

“I’ve got my fingers crossed it actually happens now.

“It would mean so much to so many people and their families.”

She added: “Sometimes he is so tired from going all that way I have to beg with him to go to the hospital because he just refuses.”

Meanwhile, the trust said it was looking at expanding the number of specialities offered in clinics and procedures which do not need an overnight stay.

He said this could include procedures in the ear, nose and throat department, but would not be drawn on specific procedures.

He added: “Banbury provides general services, but as it becomes more specialised we will look at things people have to travel to Oxford for that we could provide in Banbury.”

The trust is expected to have further news on its plans for the hospital in December.

Bosses earlier this year said they would plough an extra £2.4m into maternity and children’s services after fears they would be axed.

The trust is now looking to recruit 12 consultants and has so far had 27 applications.