BICESTER’S new 12-bed community hospital has taken on its first patients.
The new Coker Close hospital is now treating patients and has 12 patient rooms, physiotherapy, x-ray suites and a first aid unit.
Barbara Pratley, who was one of the first patients and stayed overnight, said: “I came here from the old Horton General Hospital in Banbury.
“It’s lovely here. I feel like I’m staying in a hotel, having my own en suite.”
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The facility will take patients from major hospitals like Oxford's John Radcliffe, freeing up vital beds for more seriously ill patients.
Work started in June 2013 on the facility, which replaces an 11-bed community hospital in Kings End.
The opening was first planned for September but was delayed due to minor building issues such as checking plug sockets were working.
Karen Campbell and housekeeper Wilamina Brown
Health service bosses feared it would be further delayed into the new year but the hospital opened its doors last month.
Hospital housekeeper Wilamina Brown, 50, said: “Everything is better, the space and the rooms are beautiful. the general feeling of the building is so uplifting for everyone.
“We were literally on standby for a few weeks so we were all organised to move in, so it has been great to get in before Christmas.”
The hospital is run by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and chief operating officer Yvonne Taylor said: “We are delighted to have moved into this purpose-built community facility which provides an excellent modern and safe environment to deliver community hospital services and care to local people.”
Angelina Marsella-Brookes, left, speaks to outpatients physiotherapy team leader Val Reddall
Campaigners have called for the new hospital to have 16 beds to meet thousands of new homes planned for Bicester.
The trust has said there are “no plans we are aware of” for more beds but the hospital could be expanded at a later date.
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