A CAMPAIGNER has accused health bosses of dragging their feet over proposals to build a satellite kidney dialysis centre in Banbury.

Miranda Berry, 51, has been lobbying NHS officials for almost three years to build a renal centre in North Oxfordshire after concerns about husband Steven’s health.

Mr Berry, 52, is forced to travel 150 miles a week, backward and forward, to the Churchill Hospital, Oxford, for dialysis.

About 20 other patients travel similar distances to Oxford for treatment.

Last year Oxford Radcliffe Hostipal Trust said during this financial year, 2010/11, it would look at developing a centre at the Horton Hospital, Banbury.

But Mrs Berry has now been told that the plan it could take another five years.

Andrew Stevens, the trust’s director of planning and information, said it was “committed” to developing a renal unit at the Horton, but it was dependent on a “viable business case”.

Mrs Berry, of Kenilworth Way, Banbury, said: “I was told there had been a slippage in the timescale. When I pressed for an answer, I was told it could be another five years. In other words they have gone back on their word.

“They are trying to fob us off.

“If Stephen has to endure another five years travelling to Oxford it will have an effect on his health. They are just looking at these patients as pounds and pence.”