Witney, Carterton and Chipping Norton GROUP Thursday, October 19 - Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Just days until new Westgate opens its doors
Free
oxfordshireguardian.co.uk
New service to help bereaved parents
Pages 6&7
£16k and rising! Play2Give hits target early
Page 16
Page 18
Don’t miss chance to have a say on future of healthcare By George Welch WEST Oxfordshire residents must turn out in force next month if they want to help shape a health plan for the district – because that’s the only opportunity they will get, according to a campaign group. People are being urged to attend two public consultations to discuss ideas on how GP and primary care services in the area could be improved with doctors and NHS managers. In July an independent report ordered the Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group (OCCG) to carry out a ‘comprehensive’ health plan for west Oxfordshire within six months after failing to ‘effectively engage’ with patients at the nowclosed Deer Park Medical Centre. The Deer Park Campaign Group said it is ‘vital’ people turn out in high numbers to make their concerns known. In a post on its Facebook page, the campaign group said: “The GP services in and around Witney are bursting at the seams, and will not cope with extra patients from the thousands of new houses which are now being built. “These meetings will be your chance to air your views about the appalling situation we are now in, especially after the closure of Deer Park.
“It is vital that preferably hundreds turn up at these meetings, as this will be our only opportunity to be heard.” The health provider says it’s on course to publish plans in January meeting the six-month target, having previously stated early December. Julie Dandridge, head of primary care and localities at the OCCG, told the Guardian: “Oxfordshire CCG is currently undertaking public engagement on a plan for primary care and related services in Witney and its surrounds which will be part of the West Oxfordshire Locality Plan. “The OCCG has been working with local GPs and Public & Patient Partnership West Oxfordshire group made up of patient representatives from all the OCCG West Oxfordshire practices to develop ideas for the plan to make sure we have robust and sustainable primary care services for the future.” The events will take place at Witney Corn Exchange on Wednesday, November 1 and at Carterton Town Hall on Wednesday, November 8, both from 6.30pm to 8.3pm. The meetings will include a short presentation followed by round table discussions. To book your place and for more information email cscsu. talkinghealth@nhs.net or call 01865 334638. You can also have your say at tinyurl.com/ycb8zwux
All aboard – Duke joins bus for 50th anniversary
The Duke gets a ticket to ride and inset, has a good look at the charabancs
CELEBRATIONS marking half a century of the Oxford Bus Museum reached fever pitch when the Duke of Gloucester visited the centre. Prince Richard, the cousin of Queen Elizabeth, was given a tour of the Long Hanborough museum last Friday, before hopping on board the vintage bus that started it all 50 years ago.
This year the museum has been marking five decades since a team of bus buffs bought the AEC Regal 1949, which led to the development of the popular west Oxfordshire attraction. The Duke was driven by John Bayliss, one of the initial group who bought the bus for preservation, to his next engagement in style.
The Oxfordshire Guardian has more printed copies than any other newspaper in the county
80-82 Station Road, Brize Norton, Carterton, Oxfordshire, OX18 3QB Tel: 01993 842172 www.aktimms.co.uk
AUTUMN IS HERE!