BANBURY’S Horton General Hospital celebrates its 150th birthday today.
When it opened in 1872, the ‘Horton Infirmary’ had space to care for 12 men and women over two wards.
Today, it sees almost 50,000 patients a year at its Emergency Department. Last year, 101,000 patients attended outpatient appointments, while the 1,000 members of staff saw 13,600 non-elective patients.
Sterile services manager Annie Paynton, who has worked at the Horton for the past 40 years, said: "Having worked at the hospital for so long it is wonderful to celebrate its 150th birthday.”
Ms Paynton’s mother, Nancy Claridge, gave 40 years’ service to the Horton – training as a staff nurse in the 1950s and returning from maternity leave in 1969 to work as a phlebotomist until her retirement in 2000.
“The Horton means so much to me and my family,” Ms Paynton said.
"A lot has changed over the years, but the Horton remains such a special place to work and for the patients we care for.”
Patient Jennifer Upton, 80, said: "This is my hospital. It's local and it's beautiful. I do not drive – I'm 80 years old and I need assistance to get anywhere. But this is my lovely little Banbury Horton General Hospital – and I still love it.
"As a patient here, you are somebody and you are looked after and followed up. Staff have looked after my eyes, my tonsillitis - you name it. It's lovely here and it's like a family."
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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.
To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward
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