Oxford News
Oxfordshire lymphoedema clinic halts new patients after cuts
The service, which operated from The Hummingbird Centre in Launton, near Bicester, supported individuals diagnosed with cancer-related lymphoedema across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West.
The clinic was run by the Oxfordshire charity under a commission from the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board.
However, with funding no longer renewed, the organisation has described the decision to stop accepting new referrals as “disappointing.”
Centre manager Zoe Draper reassured existing patients that their care will not be affected.
She said: “We are so disappointed the funding has not been forthcoming, but we want to reassure existing registered patients that they will continue to receive ongoing care and support throughout this transition.
“While we will no longer be accepting new referrals, all current patients will remain under our care and will continue to be seen as needed.”
Since opening in summer 2024, the clinic has treated nearly 1,000 patients referred by GPs and clinicians across the region.
Founder of The Hummingbird Centre in Bicester, Mechelle Harris, and centre manager Zoe Draper (Image: The Hummingbird Centre)
Lymphoedema is a chronic condition that causes swelling due to a failure in the lymphatic system’s ability to drain fluid effectively. Although incurable, it can often be managed successfully with specialist care.
Founder Mechelle Harris said the charity is now exploring alternative ways to continue offering support, including applying for grants and integrating the service into its complementary therapy provision, noting there remains significant demand.
Oxford News
Costa drops new reusable cups fans say are Stanley dupes
The new insulated-style tumblers arrive in eye-catching Mango orange and Dragon Fruit pink, complete with a reusable straw, straw cover and ribbed sleeve, giving shoppers a budget-friendly alternative to the premium reusable cups dominating TikTok and Instagram.
With reusable drinkware continuing to fly off shelves, Costa’s latest merchandise could prove just as popular as previous limited-edition collections.
The new reusable cups go on sale in Costa stores from today, Thursday, July 2, alongside the chain’s refreshed summer menu.
They are available while stocks last, meaning shoppers hoping to grab one may need to move quickly.
Costa is also releasing matching refresher-inspired keyrings in bright pink and lime green
There’s a new high-protein coffee too
Alongside the new merchandise, Costa is trialling its first-ever High Protein Latte and High Protein Iced Latte in selected stores.
Made using Costa’s signature Mocha Italia coffee and semi-skimmed milk, each drink contains 23g of protein and can be ordered hot or iced.
Customers can also personalise the drinks with flavoured syrups.
Costa Coffee cream tea bundle (Image: Costa Coffee)
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New cream tea-style deal joins the summer menu
Costa is also introducing a new scone bundle, available between 11am and 5pm in selected stores.
The offer includes an All Butter Sultana Scone, Bonne Maman strawberry conserve, Cornish clotted cream and a handcrafted small or medium drink.
Costa is also giving away free samples of its new Smooth Medium Blend At Home Instant Coffee in stores nationwide while stocks last.
The new reusable cups, keyrings and seasonal menu are available from Thursday, July 2, with merchandise expected to be available only while supplies last.
Oxford News
Leys Festival to draw thousands to Blackbird Leys Park
The Leys Festival will return on Saturday, July 11, running from 12pm until 7pm, and will feature music, food, art, science, sport, and more.
Revived in 2024 by residents, the event aims to highlight community spirit and celebrate the cultural diversity of The Leys and east Oxford.
Millie Khisa, producer for Leys Festival 2026 (community engagement), said: “The Leys Festival matters to me because it brings our whole community together in a joyful and meaningful way.
“It celebrates the many cultures and the different generations that make The Leys such a vibrant and resilient place to live.
“For our families, it’s a moment where everyone — from children to elders — feels seen, valued, and part of something bigger.”
This year’s event is in collaboration with the University of Oxford’s Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities and is co-produced with input from more than 40 residents.
Organisers are expecting around 3,000 attendees from across Oxfordshire.
The festival will feature a full day of music, dance, spoken word, food, and activities for all ages.
Highlights include a junior bake-off, carnival arts, science workshops, and a youth sports tournament.
Classic and current Mini cars will be on display thanks to long-time supporter Mini Plant Oxford.
All activities are free, and main meals will be priced at £5 or less.
A new ‘chill zone’ will offer a quiet space with relaxed music and workshops.
The finale will see a festival-wide bubble release.
Oxford News
Oxford maternity services – what next after bombshell report
Women not listened to, staff close to burnout and a culture of ‘that’s the Oxford way’ are just some of the concerns raised in the investigation.
Published on Tuesday, the report found that the maternity and neonatal system in England is no longer fit to consistently deliver high-quality, compassionate care to every woman and family, and requires urgent reform to put safety at its centre with an a focus on listening to women.
Oxford University Hospitals Trust bosses are now aware of what is wrong with the wards at the John Radcliffe and Horton Hospital in Banbury.
READ MORE: IN FULL: National investigation into Oxford hospital’s maternity ward
READ MORE: Hospital boss tells women ‘we failed you… and we are deeply sorry’
Simon Crowther, interim chief executive of OUH, said the findings will be put “at the heart” of its improvement plans.
He acknowledged that trust in the maternity services is “badly damaged” and said the next move will matter, not words.
“Women, families and staff will be directly involved in informing, shaping and delivering the changes we make,” he said.
“We will listen, act honestly, and be open about the progress we are making and the progress we still have to make.”
Indeed, CQC inspections published earlier in June rated both maternity services as ‘Good’, which is an improvement from their previous ratings of ‘Requires Improvement’.
However, these inspections were also carried out by the watchdog in October 2025 whereas Baroness Amos’ investigation team visited for three days over the following two months.
OUH says that following staff feedback, “significant improvements” were made to facilities and the environment, including decluttering the department and investing in new cots and equipment.
It also previously noted staff turnover had dropped from 10.4 per cent in 2022 to 3.9 per cent today.
NHS England will now be leading the more immediate actions and plans going forward.
The government will introduce the first ever commissioner to speak up for women, babies and families of maternity care in England.
But a national action plan will be published in December to overhaul services and drive long-term change – with further details on how services at the JR can change expected.
This will be driven by a taskforce, bringing together families, clinicians and other experts with a clear focus on safety, equity and accountability.
An additional £41 million investment to improve safety at maternity and neonatal facilities has also been announced.
Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for England, said NHS leaders met on Tuesday to set out immediate actions that can be taken across the country.
NHS England has been approached for further details on OUH’s forward plan.
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