Maternity services at Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) are performing well in perinatal care, according to a new report.

The latest data from the MBRRACE-UK (Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries across the UK) perinatal mortality report, which provides a detailed comparison of UK maternity units, shows OUH's success in reducing perinatal mortality rates.

OUH, which deals with high-risk pregnancies including extremely premature babies and those with serious complications, had an average neonatal death rate which was more than 15 per cent lower than the average rate of similar units.

Its average perinatal death rate is between five and 15 per cent lower than similar units, while its stillbirth rate is within five per cent of these units, on average.

Dr Andrew Brent, chief medical officer at OUH, said: "These results highlight not only the excellent care provided by our Special Care Baby Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford but also the quality of care across our maternity services.

"The neonatal death rate is a crucial indicator of this, as it reflects the wellness of babies at birth and the quality of immediate postnatal care."

Catherine Greenwood, clinical director for maternity at OUH, added: "This is very positive to see, and I’d like to thank our maternity colleagues for all that they do to care for women and babies at all stages of pregnancy and birth."