Cerebral palsy patients at Oxford's Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre have such good care that the service has reached the finals of a prestigious competition.

Doctors, nurses and other health professionals who run a one-stop shop system at the Headington hospital have been recognised in the Hospital Doctor Awards, reaching the shortlist for the surgical category.

Cerebral palsy is a condition caused by a brain defect either before or during birth, which leaves children with some form of paralysis.

Many patients need operations, as well as physiotherapy, splints, specialist plasters and equipment.

Led by consultant paediatric orthopaedic surgeons Mr Tim Theologis and Mr Andy Wainwright, the NOC's team of experts work to a system that means their young patients can have all the appointments they need on one day.

The surgeons also work in theatre together, so operations are quicker and less traumatic, while patients are observed in the hospital's state-of-the-art gait laboratory, where machines can chart their movements in accurate detail.

News of the team's success comes as the NOC is struggling to make financial savings as part of an Oxfordshire-wide cash crisis, which has already led to the closure of one ward.

Mr Theologis said: "Instead of having children coming here one day for braces or splints and another day for physiotherapy, we have everyone at the same appointment -- like a one-stop shop.

"Getting to the finals will boost morale at a time when it's not always easy for the NHS. It's an honour really, and a really prestigious award. We feel like we've won just by getting to the finals."

The NOC's cerebral palsy team have been shortlisted with the cardiac team at Bristol, and the general surgery team, Norfolk.

The finals take place on Thursday, November 10.