EXPECTANT mums across Oxfordshire will be pleased to know the John Radcliffe Hospital’s specialist baby unit is set to double in size.

The care of seriously ill babies touches many people across the county.

So it is heart-warming to hear the unit will be expanded.

It is, however, concerning to learn initial plans to build a £25m building look likely to be scrapped.

Either the £25m new building is needed, or it’s not.

Instead Oxford is likely to get a £3.5m smaller – and more affordable – extension.

It seems hospital trust bosses are in a tricky position, faced with on-going budget cuts but having been told there will be no new money for the project from the strategic health authority.

Let’s just hope the new £3.5m unit is enough to meet the needs of young families in the future.