A NEW maternity theatre has been opened at the John Radcliffe Hospital as part of a £1.8m upgrade.

A former procedure room was refurbished to provide the modern operating theatre.

Facilities on the postnatal ward have also been improved, allowing the creation of a dedicated area for women who are due to have a planned caesarean birth.

Staff will also benefit from a renovated staff room, which was funded by Oxford Hospitals Charity.

Catherine Greenwood, clinical director for maternity, said they were 'really pleased' with the improved space.

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She added: "The teamwork among staff has been exceptional and I would like to thank everyone for their professionalism and patient care during the temporary arrangements."

Sam Foster, chief nursing officer at the trust, said: "I am very pleased that the fantastic new maternity theatre at the John Radcliffe Hospital is now open.

"This new theatre enables us to provide exceptional, personalised care to every woman who chooses to have her baby with us.

"Women will be able to give birth here in a wonderful, warm and caring environment, safe in the knowledge that all the best medical expertise and equipment is on hand should they need it.

"We’re proud to be able to offer such a brilliant service to all mothers."