Former patients and staff have celebrated the opening of a £8.5m Oxford Trauma Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The 56-bed centre was built in less than 18 months.

Former patient Alan Smith, senior nurse Tracy Enoch and David Highton help cut the ribbon

Its facilities include an outpatient department, x-ray, physiotherapy and occupational therapy, clinic rooms, and a four-bed day surgery unit. It was officially opened on October 29 by Alan Smith, of Townsend Farm, Waterperry, near Wheatley, who was treated by the JR trauma team for nine months after he fell off his horse.

His injuries were so severe doctors warned he might never walk again, but Mr Smith has fully recovered and earlier this year passed his pilot's licence.

He said: "I can honestly say I know something about the trauma team and they're truly magnificent.

"There are some superb facilities here. It's going to be better for patients, because it has been designed to make their lives even better."

Staff, who helped design the building, are delighted with the centre, which has been in operation for several weeks.

Senior team leader Tracy Enoch, who has been a member of the trauma team for 17 years, said: "I've seen the demands on our unit grow and grow.

"The expertise of the team has helped people go back to meaningful lives after really horrific accidents. "This unit will help us grow in an environment specifically geared to our patients' needs."

About 22,000 outpatients and 3,500 inpatients will use the unit, which is linked to accident and emergency and hospital theatres.

Managers hope it will also help reduce pressures at the JR, which has been criticised for cancelled operations and long casualty trolley waits.

The opening of the new unit means the old trauma department in the main hospital can be used to provide more surgical beds.