A LEGAL challenge has been mounted against a 'confusing and flawed' consultation into future of Oxfordshire's NHS.

Cherwell District Council and other local authorities have today filed an application for judicial review into how Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group has consulted on its 'transformation plans'.

The public has until April 9 to comment on Phase One of the plans, which could see 200 acute beds permanently closed and services at the Horton General Hospital, including stroke care, some critical care, consultant-led maternity and the Special Care Baby Unit, permanently moved to the John Radcliffe in Oxford.

The challenge has been led by Cherwell along with Banbury Town Council, South Northamptonshire Council and Stratford-on-Avon District Council acting as co-claimants.

It is being supported by the Keep the Horton General campaign.

Ian Davies, interim joint chief executive of Cherwell and South Northamptonshire Councils, said: “Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group has carried out a two-phase consultation into plans to downgrade key services at the Horton General Hospital.

"This approach has proved incredibly confusing and those who will be most affected by any changes are unsure as to what is happening.

“For over two months we have struggled to help local people understand the implications of what is being consulted on. But there is still widespread confusion. 

“These proposals have significant and permanent implications for future access to local services. Therefore we consider it entirely unacceptable that the OCCG is trying to move ahead with plans which have not been fully understood by those who will suffer the consequences.”

Having now submitted the judicial review, Cherwell will wait to hear if the case will proceed to the High Court for consideration.

A decision is expected in the next month.