DOCTORS and nurses who looked after patients at Oxford's first hospital throughout its 200-year existence will be honoured through an art project.

The Radcliffe Infirmary in Woodstock Road was the city's first hospital when it was built in 1770 and its services were eventually moved to the John Radcliffe and Churchill sites in 2007.

It was converted into Oxford University offices and teaching and research space in the wide Radcliffe Observatory Quarter development.

As part of that scheme two pieces of artwork will be installed between the old infirmary - now a humanities building - and St Luke's Chapel.

A plaque will be sent into the infirmary building with an inscription and a carving of two hands being held.

The plaque would read: "To honour the doctors, nurses and all who cared for the sick in the Radcliffe Infirmary 1770-2007."

A panel opposite, sitting on a concrete foundation, will contain the words of Michael Rosen's 'These are the Hands' poem - written for the 60th anniversary of the NHS ten years ago.

Oxford-educated physician Dr John Radcliffe left a large legacy of £140,000 to the University following his death in 1714, which was used to build the Infirmary.

In submitting the plans, Oxford University's estates services team said: "The proposed art pieces are part of the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter's artwork strategy.

"The University seeks to commemorate more than 200 years of medical history at the former Radcliffe Infirmary."

A decision could be made in July.