Case Study

Bringing Comfort, Care, and Clinical Efficiency Together in the John Radcliffe Newborn Care Unit

Ocura worked with the Occupational Therapy team at the John Radcliffe Hospital’s Newborn Care Unit, supported by SSNAP funding, to replace outdated recliners with seating that better met clinical, workflow, and family-bonding needs.

As anyone working in newborn care knows, every detail in a Newborn Care Unit matters. From infection control to clinical workflow to the emotional wellbeing of parents — every choice has an impact. So, when the Occupational Therapy team at the John Radcliffe Hospital’s Newborn Care Unit approached us, they weren’t simply looking to “upgrade some recliners.” They were looking for seating that could fully support their mission: helping family’s bond safely and comfortably with their babies, while giving staff the flexibility and efficiency they need.

Thanks to the incredible support of SSNAP (Support for the Sick Newborn and their Parents), the Newborn Care Unit was able to explore and invest in solutions that would genuinely make a long-term difference.

The Challenge

The Newborn Care Unit had been using standard recliners for years, but they were no longer meeting the needs of the department. Parents and staff needed something better — something clinically robust, comfortable, and intuitive.

A few key issues stood out:

Manoeuvrability & Access: Standard recliners were heavy, awkward, and difficult to move quickly out of the way during emergency cot-side access. In a Newborn Care Unit environment, seconds matter — chairs simply had to be more mobile.

Comfort & Functionality for Kangaroo Care: Parents come in all shapes, sizes, and needs, and the chairs needed to adapt to them — not the other way around. Armrests needed better positioning for breastfeeding, and the chairs required the right ergonomics for prolonged kangaroo care sessions.

Infection Prevention & Durability: With high cleaning demands and heavy daily use, the Newborn Care Unit needed seating that could withstand wear, reduce risk of IPC non-compliance, and offer cost-effective replaceable components.

Lifetime Value: The charity wanted assurance that any investment would stand the test of time, offering genuine long-term value rather than a quick fix.

Although the Mauro chairs had been purchased periodically over the past few years, some initial concerns were raised around their “clinical look.” So, another evaluation was conducted — this time with a focus on long-term durability and adjustability. The results spoke for themselves.

Our Approach

Working closely with the Newborn Care Unit team and SSNAP, we designed a trial process that ensured every voice was heard and every need understood:

Multiple real-life trials: The chairs were tested in day-to-day use within the unit so parents and staff could experience the full benefits before committing.

Comprehensive feedback: Feedback forms were used throughout the evaluation, giving equal weight to staff, parents, and clinical requirements.

Hands-on support: Ocura’s dedicated account manager was present throughout the process, ensuring the Trust and charity had all the information they needed to make a fully informed decision.

This collaborative approach helped the team feel confident in selecting the right products for their clinical, emotional, and operational needs.

Products Supplied

Mauro recliner
Bariatric model of the Fero recliner

These models were chosen for their combination of comfort, clinical practicality, and long-lasting value.

Why These Products Were the Perfect Fit

Cleanability & IPC Compliance

Removable seat
Antimicrobial frame and upholstery
Replaceable armrest covers

These features significantly reduce cleaning time and the risk of damage or infection control issues.

Superior Manoeuvrability

Central locking castors
Directional steer support
Footplate and push handle

This made it much easier to move the chair — or get it out of the way quickly when needed.

Outstanding Comfort & Adjustability

Zero gravity positioning
Ergonomic S‑shaped ply backrest
Height-adjustable armrests ideal for breastfeeding
No vinyl sides (reducing damage from cables or equipment)

Together, these features support safer, more comfortable kangaroo care sessions for a wider range of users.

Long-Term Value

With replaceable parts and robust construction, both models deliver significantly lower lifetime costs compared with standard recliners.

The Outcome

The transformation in the unit has been warmly received by both families and staff.

Parents now have access to brightly coloured, fully adjustable, easy-to-clean recliners that make bonding with their newborn — whether feeding, cuddling, or providing kangaroo care — more comfortable and more accessible.

Staff benefit from easier manoeuvrability, increased responsiveness during emergencies, and reassurance that the seating matches the Newborn Care Unit’s stringent clinical needs.

Importantly, the addition of the bariatric Fero model means the department can now comfortably accommodate bariatric parents — improving inclusivity and reducing strain on staff supporting postural or mobility needs.

Thanks to SSNAP’s funding and the Trust’s commitment to continuous improvement, the John Radcliffe Newborn Care Unit now has a seating solution that’s built not just for today but for many years to come.