A REPORT on health in Wantage and Grove has been blasted as 'seriously disappointing' and 'unrealistic', after recommending only minor reforms for a community simmering with anger over NHS services.

The first two suggestions in the report by the watchdog Healthwatch Oxfordshire were 'improving communication' on Wantage Health Centre and an 'open dialogue' about Wantage's closed community hospital.

The town council has now said the report 'seriously underestimated' pressures on the area and called for a new assessment.

In a statement, it said: "Their report concurs with our own health survey in 2017 [that health services are deficient] but seriously underestimates the current and future pressure on local health services because it only refers to the population and housing growth of Wantage and Grove and omits those in the surrounding catchment area that are also served by these services.

“We will continue to lobby for a realistic assessment and improved healthcare provision for Wantage and the surrounding parishes.”

After speaking to more than 500 residents about health in May this year and receiving nearly 400 comments, the Healthwatch team divided concerns into five overall 'themes' made four recommendations.

The group said there was local concern surrounding: provision at Wantage Health Centre; the impact of increased population from new housing; a lack of public transport services; Wantage Community Hospital’s continued ‘temporary’ closure, and referrals and waiting lists for mental health services for young people.

As well as better communication between Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and residents and 'an open dialogue' about the hospital’s closure, Healthwatch recommended more mental health awareness training for GPs and the consideration of transport needs for the public when local authorities make plans on health, social care and housing.

Wantage town councillor St John Dickson, who sits on the health sub-committee, said: “I do not think that the report says anything we do not already know but it is extremely disappointing to note their proposed solution is just further consultation and improved communication - we need actions.”

He added that he was ‘delighted’ that the ‘outstanding’ care of doctors on Newbury and Church Street practices had been recognised, but concerned by waiting lists.

Mr Dickson also said the council would continue to lobby over the community hospital and expanding the health centre.

Councillor Chris McCarthy, Wantage's Mayor who also chairs the health sub-committee, did not add to the council's statement.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, who is also chairman of the Wantage Hospital League of Friends, welcomed the report and said it 'strengthened the views expressed by the Wantage and Grove communities' and 'reinforced the need for investment in GPs services and re-opening if the hospital'.

Grove Parish Council vice-chairman Stephen Dexter echoed the town council's views and added: “The report talked about the current position - or even the past position - rather than the future.

“Improved communication is fine but if they can’t get it right now, what confidence can we have in people getting it right [in future]? We will just get people talking, talking, talking, but residents want action now.”

He also raised concerns about continually worsening commutes to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford and bemoaned the limited mention of Grove in the report.

Healthwatch, an ‘independent champion for people who use health and social care service’ says its ‘sole purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf’.

Responding to the criticism, Healthwatch Oxfordshire chairman Professor George Smith suggested having another meeting.

He said: “Healthwatch welcomes these responses. A consensus agreement on the overall strategy for future health and social care provision in the Wantage area is urgently needed. A useful next step would be to bring all the key people together for a meeting.

“The aim would be to reach a common view on what needs to be done, on what timescale, who is going to lead each aspect of the work, and how it is going to be funded. An approach of that kind, brokered by Healthwatch Oxfordshire, has stimulated progress in the Bicester area, and I am confident that it would work well for Wantage and Grove too.”

Speaking about the report itself, Healthwatch Oxfordshire executive director Rosalind Pearce highlighted concerns about the hospital and added: “Wantage and Grove are clearly expanding very quickly, and residents want an assurance that their services are going to continue to meet their needs.”

Wantage MP Ed Vaizey said: “The points and recommendations raised by the Healthwatch consultation come as no surprise. I will be asking for a meeting with Oxford Health and the CCG to discuss the report, and to push for some assurances and definite answers over the future of the hospital and expansion of the health centre.”

Julie Mabberley, campaign manager from the Wantage and Grove Campaign Group, added: “We agree wholeheartedly with the findings but would have liked recommendations which did more than suggest better communication.”