Oxford News
‘Kitten scanner’ removes need for anaesthetic in children
A child-friendly replica MRI machine is now in use at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The device is helping to ease anxiety and reduce the need for sedation in young patients by allowing them to familiarise themselves with the scanning process in advance.
The miniature MRI machine is designed to make the experience less intimidating by using play-based learning.
Children can place character toys inside the scanner and watch a cartoon video that explains what will happen during their real scan.
Sonia Dugmore, senior play specialist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Making hospitals feel less intimidating for our youngest patients is something we take really seriously, so we are thrilled with this new kitten scanner.
“It gets such an amazing reaction when children first see it – their fear turns to fun.
“But through the play specialist role and the use of tools like the new kitten scanner, we are able to coach and encourage many children in advance of their scan using empowering play.
“This enables more of them to have the scan fully awake, which is a fantastic result.”
Traditionally, general anaesthetic was often required for children who found it too difficult to stay still during the loud and confined MRI procedure.
With the kitten scanner, more children can now undergo scans while fully awake, avoiding fasting and injections, and spending less time in hospital.
The project has been funded by Oxford Hospitals Charity, who praised the concept and impact of the new approach.
Ella Cooper from Oxford Hospitals Charity said: “This project really caught our imagination and watching the expression on children’s faces transform when they see the scanner and start playing with it is just wonderful.
“It’s a fantastic example of a brilliant idea coming from the clinical teams that Oxford Hospitals Charity has been delighted to support.”
The device is already making a difference in the hospital’s imaging department.
Cyrene Saga, advanced clinical specialist MRI radiographer, said: “This mini replica of an MRI scanner is not just a toy, it’s a clinical, education and emotional support tool.
“We perform MRI scans on about 30 to 50 children every month and this new approach is helping us perform more of these scans without the need for sedation.”
Ms Saga said removing the need for anaesthetic means children can return home sooner and often results in better quality imaging.
Najeebullah Arab, of Mayfield Avenue, Grove, was today (Friday, June 19) sentenced at Oxford Crown Court to 10 years and 11 months’ imprisonment, an extended licence period of six years, a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 20 years and a lifetime restraining order for his victims.
The 40-year-old Afghan national pleaded guilty to sexually communicating with the 14-year-old child in May 2024.
READ MORE: Afghan man jailed for violent sexual offences in Wantage
He was on court bail for that offence when he sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s in January this year and, less than a week after that, sexually assaulted, kidnapped and raped a 19-year-old woman in Wantage.
Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Stuart May of the Thames Valley Police said: “Firstly, I want to pay tribute to the victims in this case, whose courage in coming forward has been vital in securing justice.
“They were rightly described as heroes by HHJ Nott during today’s sentencing.
“Arab is a dangerous sexual predator who targeted women and subjected them to traumatic and violent offences.
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“His actions have had a lasting impact on his victims, and it is right that he will now spend a significant period of time behind bars.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of his crimes and ensures he can no longer pose a risk to the public.
“I hope this outcome provides some reassurance to the victims and the wider community that offenders like Arab will be brought to justice.”
Home-Start Oxford is marking Small Charity Week, running from June 22 to 29, by highlighting the vital role small organisations play in supporting communities.
Based in the centre and west of Oxfordshire, the charity offers free, confidential support to parents and carers with young children who are experiencing challenges such as postnatal depression, isolation, bereavement, health issues or disability.
Katharine Barber, CEO of Home‑Start Oxford, said: “Small charities are often closest to the people who need them most.
“We may be small in structure, but the difference we make is huge.
“Every week, our volunteers and staff walk alongside families who are facing incredibly tough circumstances, offering practical help, emotional support and a listening ear.
“Small Charity Week is a chance to shine a light on the essential role organisations like ours play in strengthening communities and to recognise the people who make it all possible.”
Despite rising demand, higher costs and a challenging funding environment, Home‑Start Oxford has supported more than 600 families so far this year.
This impact has been made possible thanks to the dedication of its volunteers, staff and supporters.
The charity is encouraging people to mark Small Charity Week by turning short-term awareness into lasting action.
Ms Barber said: “There are so many ways to support a small charity – from volunteering a few hours, to holding a fundraiser, becoming a regular giver, or simply sharing our work with others.”
The former Top Gear and Grand Tour host purchased Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, back in 2008.
Having taken over the day-to-day operations back in 2019, Mr Clarkson started filming for the first season of Clarkson’s Farm, which was released in 2021.
Available on Prime Video, the documentary shows life on the farm and highlights the plight of British farmers.
READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson bids final goodbye to Clarkson’s Farm fan favourite
The fifth series had a staggered release across this month, with fans able to now binge-watch all eight new episodes.
This time last year, series four had also just been released, and Mr Clarkson followed up the conclusion of this with an announcement on his latest venture.
The 66-year-old has written several books over the years, including multiple which have covered his farming adventures in Oxfordshire.
He announced in June of 2025 that another was set to release later on in the year called Diddly Squat: The Farmer’s Dog.
READ MORE: TV legend praises Jeremy Clarkson after meeting him at Cotswolds pub
The book covered the latest action on the farm as well as his Asthall pub, The Farmer’s Dog, becoming the fifth book Mr Clarkson has written in the series.
Having purchased the Cotswolds watering hole for around £1m, the former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter opened it to the public in the summer of 2024.
Although no confirmation has yet been made, it is expected that another book will be released this year, following on from Clarkson’s Farm series five.
It has also been confirmed that filming for the show’s sixth season is underway, with an anticipated release date in 2027.
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