Blog

Administrative Court reserves judgment in Horton Hospital judicial review

Judge with Gavel

A judicial review challenge to Oxfordshire CCG’s decision to reconfigure services at the Horton General Hospital was heard by Mr Justice Mostyn on 6 and 7 December 2017. The challenge was brought by a group of District Councils and campaign group Keep the Horton General.

The proposed reconfiguration included the removal of obstetric services, 46 bed closures and the removal of level 3 critical care.

It was argued that the consultation was unlawful for numerous reasons, including the fact it was split into two phases where many issues dealt with in Phase 2 were interlinked with Phase 1 issues. In addition, the CCG failed to consult on the new bed closure test which was announced by Simon Stevens, Chief Executive of NHS England, on 3 March 2017.

Judgment was reserved, and Mostyn J ordered that the CCG do not take further steps in relation to the consultation or decision until judgment is handed down.

See BBC coverage of the case here, and coverage in the local press here and here.

Samantha Broadfoot QC and Leon Glenister acted for Keep the Horton General.

Download your shortlist

Download All Download icon