A ward at an Oxford hospital has become the first to be awarded an international mark of quality.

Staff at the private patient Isis Suite, at the John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington, have shown their dedication to patients by winning the title of ISO 9001, given out by the International Standards Organisation.

The award is given to companies which can prove that they strive to give good quality to their customers and workers.

The Isis Suite has 23 beds and a 40-strong nursing team.

Senior nurse manager Moira Buchanan said: "The nurses have worked hard to get to this point, and the consultants who work with us are committed to it."

"It proves we have the standards to achieve a certain level of care. Our staff are properly trained and we provide excellent services."