Rebecca Ferneyhough – NHS Hero nominee

Rebecca Ferneyhough – NHS Hero nominee

Nurse Rebecca Ferneyhough was off duty and in a chip shop when she saved the life of a great-grandad who had a cardiac arrest.

Rebecca, Professional Lead for Quality/Operations at UHNM, performed CPR on 82-year-old Graham Scott after he suffered a cardiac arrest while queuing in a fish and chip shop in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Graham, a great-grandfather of eight, made a full recovery and has since returned to his role as a lollipop man at Hempstalls Primary School, a job he has done for the past 25 years.

He said: “Becky is such a special lady to me and my family. Thanks to Becky I am back on my feet and being back at work gives me a purpose again. I feel wonderful, the children are my medicine and it brings me so much joy to see them every day. Becky is fantastic and someone I will never forget.”

Rebecca has been presented with a DAISY Award by UHNM and has now been nominated in the NHS Hero category of The Your Heroes Awards.

Ann-Marie Riley, Chief Nurse at UHNM, said: “What Becky did that day is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Fiona Hibberts, UHNM Deputy Chief Nurse, added: “Becky is an outstanding nurse, committed to delivering safe patient care across our hospitals over many years. Although she was off duty she responded instinctively and her actions saved a life. She demonstrated the very best of our profession, living our Trust values both in and out of work.”

Rebecca said: “It is such a privilege to receive the DAISY award and see Graham again. He’s an amazing man and to see him back doing what he loves is really special.

“A miracle happened that day, I happened to be in the right place at the right time and even though it was daunting to give CPR in public you have to be brave and confident and I would encourage everyone to learn how to do CPR.”