PATIENTS will continue to have access to ultrasound at a community hospital after a large donation.

Chipping Norton War Memorial Community Hospital’s League of Friends donated £38,000 so that ultrasound could stay at the hospital.

During the first lockdown, site administrator Jane O’Gorman was approached by Oxford University Hospitals about locating an ultrasound clinic at the Chipping Norton Outpatient Unit.

An alternative setting was needed, as the John Radcliffe Hospital was focusing on caring for patients with Covid-19 and acute work.

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As the first lockdown came to an end, the ultrasound system was returned to the John Radcliffe.

Now, the League of Friends has stepped in to keep ultrasound access.

Jo Graves, chair of the League of Friends, said: “We have been supporting the local hospital for a long, long time and we’re very pleased to support this time, too.

“Whenever there’s an opportunity to keep services local, we take it.

“It is quite a trek from Chipping Norton and the surroundings to go to Oxford, and of course the local clinic alleviates pressure in other hospitals.”

The ultrasound diagnostic clinic will start taking referrals this month.