AN AMBITIOUS two-million-pound project to improve the inpatient wards at an Oxford hospital has finally been completed.

People who are due to spend a short time at the John Radcliffe Hospital will now be admitted in the additional inpatient ward space located on level five of the building.
The ward has 24 additional beds across the new bays and rooms, meaning patients can be treated in the most appropriate location.

As part of the project, which began in November, new features have been introduced, including increased side room capacity for patients, bespoke rooms for obese patients, en-suite bathrooms in many of the rooms for patient privacy and a new ventilation system throughout the ward.

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New computers and monitoring equipment which uploads patient information directly to electronic patient records were also installed alongside dedicated work stations, a staff room, and shower facilities for the hospital employees. 

Kathy Francis, ward manager at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said that staff are 'delighted' with the brand new ward. 

Describing the facilities, she said: "It is spacious, light, and open, and is not only a great environment for our patients to stay in, but also for our staff to work in.

"We are also very lucky to have the support of our practice development team. 

"They have been here every day giving one-to-one and group training sessions. 

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"This ensures that all of our staff on the ward are fully up-to-date and confident in their new roles."

Used previously as a day case area, the expanded ward is now dedicated to patients with acute medical conditions such as a chest infection, urinary infection, dehydration, or other conditions where they will not need to spend more than a few days in hospital.

The ward has recruited a wide range of staff, including senior nurses as well as newly registered and internationally-recruited staff.

Sara Randall, chief operating officer at Oxford University Hospitals, said: "This is a fantastic new development for both patients and staff at our trust.

"Both parties are already seeing the benefits of their fresh, modern, customised new ward, and this will no doubt help us continue to provide excellent, compassionate care."

This is the latest development at the hospital, which also had its plans for a new £29m critical care unit approved in March.

The 48-bed building at the John Radcliffe is part of a regional strategy to manage the ongoing impact of the pandemic and full completion is expected later this year.

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