Arun Pherwani

Pioneering vascular surgery, believed to be the first operation of its type in the UK, has given a young woman her life back.

Now UHNM consultant vascular surgeon Arun Pherwani has been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards by the patient and her mum.

Sophie Walker, 26, of Uttoxeter, had been unwell with a number health issues, culminating in the need for vascular surgery for an awkwardly positioned artery aneurysm. The position of the aneurysm meant there were concerns that the original procedure would have caused a major stroke. The re-planned surgery involved complex and risky grafting of her artery without compromising blood flow to her brain – believed to a first in the UK.

Sophie’s mum, Steph Walker, who works at Royal Stoke University Hospital as an Advanced Critical Care Practitioner, said: “To our knowledge this operation has never been attempted before, with the expected outcome largely based on theory and expert opinions and we were informed that her risks of stroke, paraplegia and death were very high.”

Mr Arun Pherwani  led the team which carried out the surgery following multiple multi-disciplinary team meetings with surgical teams at UHNM and across the country for advice.

He said: “This procedure was a very uncommon operation performed on someone so young. The only way to rectify Sophie’s condition was with this type of surgery, all options had been looked at carefully. The risks that came with this were serious and could have led to significant complications.

“It was a team effort from colleagues at the UHNM. The care that went into planning Sophie’s surgery and after was because of everyone at UHNM, from the multi-disciplinary surgical team, diagnostic and interventional radiology colleagues, anaesthetic colleagues, the theatre team in cardiac theatres, perfusion colleagues, our junior colleagues, ITU and pathology staff, pulled together to help Sophie and her family who are part of this organisation.

“We are fortunate we work at UHNM with very good, helpful and caring colleagues. We are a busy Trust, but we always strive to provide the best care for our patients.”

Steph said: “Mr Pherwani left no stone unturned. He also made himself available day and night to answer any of Sophie’s questions. She is herself a qualified perfusionist so understood all the fine details of the plans.

“There were no statistics he could provide us with regarding her risk of death, if we continued with the surgery or if it was left untreated. He had several ideas of what he could attempt should the initial plan be unsuccessful and I understand that due to the severity of the situation, there was total silence in theatre during the lengthy procedure.

“Bypass was prepared should it be needed in an emergency – something Sophie knew only too well. As a family we had been prepared for the worst which was heart-breaking and something I have only ever seen from the other side in my role in critical care.”

Sophie, who previously worked at Stafford County Hospital but now works at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton, said: “Without Mr Pherwani’s unwavering commitment, skill and dedication to my case I probably wouldn’t be alive today. It was a truly pioneering surgery, the first of its kind, an extremely delicate and complex procedure that I’m sure not many vascular surgeons would be able to accomplish.

“Working in cardiac surgery myself, I was all too aware of the major challenges and risks involved in the surgery, and so was Mr Pherwani. However, I knew that if anyone could pull it off, it would be him. Mr Pherwani made himself available to me day and night, reassured me, and most of all cared about me – a skill you cannot teach.”

Claire Prentice

A staff nurse from University Hospitals of North Midlands has been presented with a prestigious award after a patient and her family praised her for honesty and compassion during her time in hospital.

Claire Prentice, staff nurse on ward 230, the gastroenterology ward at Royal Stoke University Hospital, was nominated for the Daisy Award which is awarded to extraordinary nurses for their exemplary and compassionate care.

Patient Jemima Gallimore, 18, was treated at UHNM for four months with a personality and eating disorder. Following what she described as outstanding care she nominated Claire for the Daisy Award.

Jemima’s mum, Rebecca, said: “When Jemima was in hospital she was in a very difficult place, both mentally and physically. The support that Claire provided to Jemima was absolutely outstanding.

“She not only supported Jemima but also encouraged her during her four-month hospital stay. She always listened to what Jemima had to say or what was worrying her and she would provide her with an honest response and with reassurance. Jemima felt that she could turn to Claire when she was struggling with her illness and could be open and honest.

“She is now able to receive treatment outside of hospital and I would just like to say thank you to Claire and the wider team for providing such care and compassion.”

Claire said: “I am overwhelmed that Jemima has nominated me for this award. When Jemima was on the ward I listened to her concerns and ensured she always had someone to talk to. I am proud of myself and the team that we have been able to make such a difference to Jemima and her family.”

UHNM Chief Nurse Ann-Marie Riley said: “I was incredibly proud to present Claire with her Daisy Award. Her nomination highlighted how her fantastic care had positively impacted the welleing of one of her patients. She advocates for patients’ best interest and clearly they are at the heart of everything she does. It was an absolute pleasure to recognise the wonderful care she delivered.”

Claire has now been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards.

James Mycock

A nursing assistant uses the power of music to help with the recovery of his patients.

James Mycock has been holding music therapy sessions on the Acute Rehabilitation Trauma Unit (ARTU) at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

He encourages patients to engage with his music as part of their cognitive rehabilitation.

Junior Sister Leanne Allcock said: “The benefits of music therapy were highlighted to us during one of our weekly team meetings and being aware of James’ background I approached him to see if a weekly music session with our specialised rehabilitation patients was something he would be interested in.

“One we started these sessions it quickly became apparent how much of a success they were, not only with patients but also with the morale of family members and staff too.

“James has since gone above and beyond, spending his own time researching more into music therapy and rehabilitation and how he could adapt his sessions to make them more beneficial and interactive for our patients.”

James, who has worked at UHNM for 10 years said: “Music is so important to me, it’s always been. I’ve been a musician since I was 12 and my aunty was a folk musician when I was growing up. I did a music diploma, degree and masters, and I’ve been as far as Japan touring with bands.

“I’ve always been amazed with the link between music and care. I’m always singing on the job, so I think it was only a matter of time before somebody said would you like to do some music therapy. So I had a little look into it and thought it might be really good for the patients.

“It’s going really well- people love it. I have patients with mixed abilities. Some sing along to songs we all know, others more early on in their rehabilitation journey just follow the lyrics with their eyes. But it all encourages cognitive simulation, the mix of happy and sad songs trigger memories and emotions that can help work through trauma.

“We take requests from patients throughout the week in the lead up to the sessions and if there’s a patient who’s a little bit down and has a favourite song I’ll surprise them with it and they really like that. It doesn’t matter to me if I’m playing to one person or 20, as long as they’re getting something from it that’s the purpose.”

James was presented with a UHNM Employee of the Month Award by the then UHNM Chief Executive, Tracy Bullock, and has now been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards.

Tracy Bullock said: “It’s fabulous what James is doing and worthwhile and beneficial for the rehabilitation and wellbeing of our patients. We all know the importance of music therapy and the fact he’s doing it off his own back as well as his nursing assistant role is even more special.”

UHNM fundraisers

A group of more than 20 doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants and colleagues from across the UHNM raised more than £7,000 to improve the experience of patients in A&E.

The team completed the gruelling national Three Peaks Challenge for the UHNM Charity by climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

Organiser staff nurse Stephanie Wilcock said: “Patients can spend periods of time alone in cubicles which can be quite isolating so I came up with the idea of fundraising to improve their experience and journey through the department.

“We also want to use the funds to improve the environment of the relative’s room that patient’s families are in.

“I’m proud of everybody for taking on the challenge with me and for doing an amazing job with the fundraising, trying to make patients and their families as comfortable as possible.”

The fundraising team has been collectively nominated in the NHS Hero category of the Your Heroes Awards.

Kirsty Lazenby

A critical care nurse left her colleagues ‘in awe’ after supporting a young family through the end-of-life care of a parent.

Kirsty Lazenby, an organ donation nurse on Royal Stoke’s Critical Care Unit, received a UHNM Chief Executive’s Award for ‘going above and beyond’ in helping the family come to terms with the devastating news. She has now been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards

Colleague and staff nurse Zoe Gratton said: “I have worked at UHNM for eight years and have experienced both saddening and elating moments. However these shifts were the hardest I have experienced in my career.

“The team were looking after a patient where a decision was made to proceed with end-of-life care. This is a decision that is sadly made regularly within the Critical Care Unit, but with this particular patient three of their five children were under the age of 10.

“Kirsty broke the news to the older members of the family so professionally, calmly and without fault that I was in awe. The relatives then felt so overwhelmed that Kirsty had offered to speak to the children when they would be visiting their parent on the Unit, explaining to them that they would not be coming home, and they were going to die that day.

“Kirsty came in on her day off to do this, instantly building a beautiful rapport with the children. She broke the news, remaining calm and empathetic throughout and going out of her way to provide exactly what the children wanted for their parent in their final moments.

“She took lockets of hair, heartbeat readings and fingerprints for each child and family member to treasure as well as taking each child aside and making crocheted hearts with them, teaching them a skill for life. She helped ensure each family member was supported during their time with their relative, something I was unable to do due to my clinical demands in looking after such a sick patient.

“I have known Kirsty for a number of years and have worked closely with her before, however without her support and expertise I would not have been able to cope with these shifts. I cannot fault Kirsty and I cannot sing her praises high enough. I have dealt with end-of-life cases many times, but never have I been in the presence of a staff member who has provided the most beautiful everlasting final moments for a family with young children.”

Kirsty said: “We don’t come to work for the recognition of what we do, but when you do receive something, especially from a colleague who you work alongside, it’s really special.”

John Babb, Stewart Walker, Chloe Smith and Jenny Flude

When a patient suffered a heart attack in the car park at Stafford County Hospital in the early hours of the morning it was parking and security staff who stepped in to help him.

Car parking supervisor John Babb and Stewart Walker, a portering and security supervisor, were both on shift when John noticed on CCTV that a patient was slumped over the ticket machine on the car park.

Stuart said: “The patient had arrived on site in the early hours of the morning after experiencing chest pains and John noticed on the camera the patient needed some urgent help. When we got to the patient, it was really clear he was in a bad way and we needed to get help quickly.

“At this point the patient slid down the ticket machine and that’s when we realised he could be suffering from a heart attack.”

John and Stewart put the patient in a wheelchair and phoned for an ambulance but were told it was going to be a while before the ambulance crew could get to them. They made the decision to take the patient to resus, even though it was out of hours.

Staff nurse Chloe Smith and senior staff nurse Jenny Flude were in A&E when the patient was bought in and were first on the scene to help Stewart and John. Together they all worked on the patient, providing CPR until the crash team arrived and took over.

Once stable, the patient was taken by ambulance to Royal Stoke University Hospital for emergency surgery and went on to make a full recovery.

John, Stewart, Chloe and Jenny were recognised with a Trust CEO award and have now been nominated in the NHS Hero category of the Your Heroes Awards.

Stewart said: “We work very closely with the A&E staff. It is good to be involved as a team. It isn’t something I would want to repeat but having us all work together to save this patient’s life was amazing.”

John said: “Myself and Stewart worked together to make sure the patient had the best outcome. It was fantastic that we all worked together as a team.”

Jenny said: “Stewart and John were brilliant. The patient was in full cardiac arrest when they reached us. We all worked so well as a team and luckily the patient got the care they needed quickly. I can’t thank them enough for what they did.”

Chloe said: “They were both invaluable to us on this day. They helped us so much and carried on helping us right up until the crash team arrived. They were fantastic how they handled the situation which isn’t usually something they have to deal with.”

Tracy Bullock, the then UHNM chief executive, said: “This demonstrates the importance of each department working together to achieve the best outcome for our patients. It also shows the vital role that our security team play in having eyes on the hospital site.

“Had this member of the public not been seen late at night on one of our cameras his outcome following a cardiac arrest could have been very different. Thankfully everyone worked together as a team which resulted in a positive outcome for this patient. Well done to everyone.”

Sian Fern

A Royal Stoke nurse ran the London Marathon two years after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and being told she would never be able to run another marathon because of her condition.

Sian Fern, a senior sister on the Critical Care Unit at Royal Stoke University Hospital, completed the 26.2 mile course around the capital crediting her ‘brilliant and fantastic’ University Hospital of North Midlands NHS Trust colleagues for helping her have “a day up there with the best in my life.”

She said: “In 2022 I was diagnosed out of the blue with MS. I was regularly running and fell over a few times but thought that was due to something off the roads. I then began to experience dizziness, regularly tripped over my own feet, and light-headedness.

“So I booked in at the GP who did some assessments. Until this point, I wasn’t aware that I couldn’t walk in a straight line or put one foot directly in front of the other without falling to one side. My GP agreed with me it was probably inflammation from an earlier bout of Covid and should settle down soon.

“So I continued trying to run and continued working. At this point I was struggling with the stairs and was finding myself walking a lot slower than my friends which was unusual. I then had an episode where I couldn’t find the brake in the car with my right leg and fell again whilst out running, and knew it was yet again time to go back to the GP.

“She sent a referral to a neurologist at UHNM and by this point I knew it must have been something serious. I was finding putting keys in doors difficult, struggling to concentrate, was extremely tired and struggling to write.

“The neurologist performed further tests and sent me for an urgent MRI. I went in for my MRI with tears running down my face, being unable to wipe them away.

“It was few days later that I was back in the neurologist’s office for more tests with the same symptoms. At this point I was struggling to walk and it felt like I was dragging something separate to my body around with me. He sat me down, and after doing the tests said I unmistakably have MS and have had for a long time.

“It was diagnosed as highly active Relapsing Remitting MS (RRMS), and I would need a high dose of steroids and to be started on a disease modifying treatment as soon as possible. I was also told no strenuous exercise and no stress, so no work. My whole world at the time fell apart.”

Sian, who has worked in Critical Care for 16 years and previously run five marathons, was able to complete the London Marathon in a time of five hours and thirty-five minutes, alternating between walking and running and with the help of a walking stick and ankle brace.

She said: “Over the last two years I have managed to gradually get back to running, but not as it was before. I now must run using a stick and have a brace on my right ankle. I also can’t run for longer than a mile before I have to walk for a period of time, due to my leg dragging and my body temperature rising which exacerbates my symptoms of the leg dragging and dizziness.

“After being told and was told I probably wouldn’t run a marathon again, never did I think that I would be doing the London Marathon which has always been a dream of mine. The day was up there with the best days in my life.

“It wouldn’t have been possible without the neurology and MS teams at the Royal Stoke. They were brilliant and fantastic as always and I cannot fault the care provided. Although things look a bit different now, I truly do owe them my life, as running is my life.

“At some points in our lives we are all faced with adversity, however if you want something that badly then you have to go out there and get it. Never give up on your dreams whatever that is, even if you have to achieve them a little differently than what you imagined.”

Sian Fern has been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards.

Caroline Belpomer

When Caroline Belpomer stumbled across a road accident on her way home from a Sunday lunch she ran to the scene, carried out CPR for 10 minutes and used a defibrillator on an unconscious man.

Caroline has worked at the University Hospitals of North Midlands for 24 years as a housekeeper, healthcare assistant, ward clerk and now discharge facilitator – so trying to save lives is not an everyday occurrence for her.

She was presented with a CEO Award by then UHNM Chief Executive Tracy Bullock and has now been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards.

Caroline had been travelling through Madeley after a Mother’s Day lunch when she and her husband came across the two-car collision.

She ran to the scene and started performing CPR on an unconscious gentleman until paramedics arrived.

Caroline said: “As another member of the public was already helping those in one of the cars involved, I went to the other car and found a gentleman unconscious on the back seat so started chest compressions.

“By this time other people had arrived on scene and had called the emergency services. Over the phone they instructed us to get the gentleman out of the car and lay him on the road, where I carried on with CPR for around 10 minutes.

“Another member of the public was able to get a defibrillator from a nearby pub, and using this we shocked the gentleman shortly before paramedics arrived.”

Caroline was nominated by Lisa Duncan, Integrated Discharge Lead at UHNM.

Lisa said: “Caroline has always gone above and beyond – there’s just something about her. I felt to do something in the community like this shows she strives for other people, and for the patients in her care. She is a proper people person and she deserves this award.”

Caroline added: “On the afternoon of the accident I just cracked on. I got out of the car and automatically just ran towards the scene. It was only on the drive back home did I start to think what had just happened. It’s just what anybody would do.

“It’s lovely to be nominated for this award by my colleagues, but I don’t like being the centre of attention, I couldn’t believe it. There was a lot of other people at the scene who came together who also deserve recognition.

“I just love my patients and would do everything I can for them and hope they get home safely and are happy.”

Eric Dray

Staff nurse Eric Dray is believed to be the oldest employee at University Hospitals of North Midlands – he is still working at the Royal Stoke University Hospital at the age of 80.

The grandad of four has work in the NHS for more than 60 years and is still working as a staff nurse on the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU). He has worked at UHNM for 44 years.

He said: “During my time in the NHS I have worked in many places, both here in the UK and abroad. I started working in the NHS as a student nurse in 1965 in Liverpool and moved to Stoke-on-Trent in 1969 when I got married.

“I then started work here at the Royal Infirmary in 1971 on the neurological unit, moved to recovery in 1987 and I have worked in the department ever since.

“A career highlight for me was working during the 1996 World Cup, dealing with footballer injuries and broken bones. They used to ask us to work extra days in case any injuries took place during the football games. It was fantastic to meet the likes of Bobby Moore.

“My career at UHNM has been simply wonderful and every day is a highlight. I love looking after our patients. They are our VIPs and there isn’t a day where I don’t enjoy my work. I am going to continue to work until someone says I can’t!”

Eric was presented with a Daisy Award by the hospital for his dedication and commitment to patient care and has now been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards.

Gareth Hurley, Matron for Theatres and PACU, said: “Eric looked after and supported me after I qualified. The area we worked in in the Royal Infirmary was very complex and we didn’t have the level of technology that we have today so the level of mentorship was really important. I remember Eric’s generosity and input held me in such good stead, and I know he has helped so many other people in the same way.

“Working with someone like Eric who is so passionate about patients and their care really highlights how much of a role model he is to us all and it’s fantastic to work alongside him.”

Michelle Fell, Sister in recovery, said: “I remember meeting Eric on one of my first placements at the Royal Infirmary, he was always so kind and compassionate. He was encouraging to work alongside and I always felt so well looked after. Years later Eric is just as supportive and compassionate, he continues to share his knowledge with members of the team and student nurses while providing second-to-non patient care.

Ann-Marie Riley, Chief Nurse at UHNM, said: “The Daisy Award is a special award that is recognised across the world for registered nurses. Eric encompasses our Trust values, continuously delivering exceptional care to our patients with such dedication. We are extremely proud that Eric has worked with us for over 44 years.”

Karen Stonier

A nurse put her lifesaving skills into action when a man had a cardiac arrest while she was on a training session away from the hospital.

UHNM bank nurse Karen Stonier was in a tissue viability training meeting at Longton Rugby Club in May when she was alerted that someone taking part in a walking football session had collapsed on the pitch outside.

She sprinted to the scene, started performing CPR on Roy Walley and was able to use a nearby defibrillator to restart his heart three times before paramedics arrived.

Roy, from Porthill, was taken by air ambulance to the Royal Stoke where surgeons fitted an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), used to monitor and treat abnormal heart rhythms.

Karen and Roy were reunited at the Royal Stoke University Hospital when Karen was presented with a Daisy Award, given out to extraordinary nurses for their exemplary, compassionate care provided to patients and families.

Karen said: “I was attending a tissue viability training meeting and had just finished lunch when a gentleman ran into the room to say somebody had just collapsed on the pitch outside during a walking football session.

“Along with colleagues, I ran onto the pitch and found Roy lying face-down on the grass not moving or breathing. I started to perform CPR, luckily there was a defibrillator at the club which I was able to use to shock him three times before the ambulance arrived.

“I wasn’t thinking about anything other than trying to get him back. I kept talking to him and asking him to squeeze my hand – my job was to keep him alive. It was a weird feeling, the other nurses attending the training with me asked if I wanted them to take over, but my adrenaline had kicked in and I wouldn’t stop until help arrived.

“I’d worked for UHNM for 20 years before moving into Nurse Bank, starting out as a Healthcare Assistant before completing my training and spending eight years on the Coronary Care Unit, so I was able to put my skills into action that day.”

Roy attended Sharon’s award presentation in the Royal Stoke’s Boardroom with his wife Linda, sons Kevin and Martin, and daughter-in-Law Deb.

The 76-year-old said: “I’ve been taking part in walking football for about 10 years, it’s like being a kid again, having a kick about with your friends. On that day I parked my car, had a jog around the pitch to warm up and started to kick a ball about, but after that I can’t remember anything. I’ve been told people saw me collapse face-first onto the pitch.

“It hasn’t bothered me because I can’t remember anything about it. I now take all my pills as required, but the bit I don’t like most is not being able to drive for six months. I’ve tried to carry on life as normal since being discharged by my cardiac nurse, even managing to walk to the top of the Great Orme in Llandudno with my wife. With the new ICD implant, I’ve got my own paramedic in my chest, and hopefully it never goes off.”

Ann-Marie Riley, Chief Nurse at UHNM, said: “The Daisy Award is a special award that is recognised across the world for registered nurses and I’m thrilled that Karen has become the first member of UHNM Bank Staff to receive it. It’s really important we recognise our temporary workforce and she has had a massive impact on Roy and his family.”

Stephanie Albutt, Senior Sister for Nurse Bank at UHNM said: “We’re very proud a member of bank staff has received this award, recognising the amazing work they do for us at UHNM.”

Karen added: “Seeing Roy again was very emotional. I spoke to him over the phone after he was discharged from hospital, but this was the first time I’d seen him again in person – it makes my job worthwhile seeing the outcome. I’m not one for compliments normally, but I’m very proud with what I’ve done, it was a team effort too. I’m proud and privileged to do my job every day and to get this Daisy Award is amazing.”

Roy said: “It was pure luck we were playing at the Rugby Club that day where Karen was, rather than our normal venue of the Stoke City Academy. I’m planning on returning to the sessions later this month.”

Roy’s wife added: “I think about Karen and what she did for Roy every day.”

Karen Stonier has been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards.

Mick Hibbs

A healthcare assistant whose quick thinking helped save the life of a distressed member of the public has been praised for his actions.

Mick Hibbs was on his way to work at Royal Stoke’s A&E Department when he spotted a gentleman in distress on a bridge.

Despite not being able to reach the stranger in time before jumping, Mick was able to provide first aid and call an ambulance. He then headed into work to help people in his day job too.

Mick was presented with a CEO Award by the then UHNM Chief Executive Tracy Bullock after being nominated by his colleague Nakita Emmens.

Nakita said: “Although Mick was travelling in the opposite direction on his way into work, he spotted the gentleman on the bridge and turned his car around. As he was approaching the scene to try and comfort him, the gentleman unfortunately jumped over the edge of the bridge.

“With the safety of the patient always being at the front of Mick’s mind, he too climbed over the bridge and made his way down to help the man who wasn’t visible to traffic passing below.

“Mick then supported the patient, rang for emergency aid and called on passers-by to manage the traffic flow past the scene.

“Once the gentleman had been brought to hospital, Mick then got back into his car and made his way to work to continue to help the public, all with a brave smile on his face.

“Mick is always keen to lend a hand at work and is a role model to colleagues of all levels. We feel he deserves this recognition, as it goes above and beyond, and shows to the public how staff at UHNM are willing to support our community.”

Mick said: “I would havedone it for anybody, it’s my job and I love my job.”

Mick Hibbs has been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards.

Dr Sanjeev Nayak

Dr Sanjeev Nayak’s pioneering work has saved the lives of many stroke patients and prevented others from having permanent neurological deficits.

A Consultant Interventional Neuroradiologist at the University Hospitals of North Midlands, Dr Nayak is one of the first and forefront pioneers of mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke in the United Kingdom.

The mechanical thrombectomy service for stroke developed by Dr Nayak has not only saved and improved lives, it has resulted in cost savings to the NHS that run into millions of pounds by preventing or minimising stroke disabilities.

Dr Nayak has written national guideline documents with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and other UK national authorities.

He has a passion for clinical research and has been involved in numerous thrombectomy device developments. This has led him to win the The Sun newspaper’s Who Cares Wins award for Ground-breaking Pioneer and Discovery following a nomination made by one of his patients.

Dr Nayak has been recognised by his peers and patients for his outstanding achievement in establishing the service which has expanded under his leadership to cover a wider region including the Midlands, Shropshire, Cheshire and Wolverhampton.

He has been nominated for 19 national awards in various categories of the British Medical Journal and Health Service Journal awards. In 2018 he won the Windrush70 Award for Clinical Excellence following which he was invited to 10 Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister.

Also in 2018, Dr Nayak was hailed by the NHS as one of ‘health and care’s top 70 stars’ – and voted number two in the entire NHS – for his efforts to have mechanical thrombectomy in stroke widely adopted.

Dr Nayak has founded various national training courses and is heavily involved in medical education. He has developed courses through numerous innovative teaching modules and has a strong belief in evidence-based practice with a motto of saving lives through excellence and achieving excellence through education.

He also created a thrombectomy awareness event to help educate not only those in his professional environment but those around him too.

Dr Nayak earned his Membership of the Royal College of Physicians and Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists after graduating in India. He undertook further higher dual certification in Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology in Europe under the European Union of Medical Specialists and completed an additional fellowship in Stroke Intervention in Austria.

He brought back the skills he acquired in Europe and helped set up the first UK 24/7 Mechanical Thrombectomy service at the Royal Stoke University Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent, which has become one of the leading centres for minimally invasive stroke thrombectomy in the United Kingdom.

Dr Nayak has been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards.

Natalie Moseley

Natalie Moseley’s job is to support families who have a child with a palliative diagnosis – and she’s so good at it that they’ve said they don’t know what they’d do without her.

The 43-year-old is a family support worker with the Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust’s Children’s Community Liaison Team (North).

Natalie and a colleague currently support around 25 families across Stoke-on-Trent and part of the Staffordshire Moorlands from their base in Fenton.

The mum-of-one, from Trentham, has been in the role for 14 months after previously working at the Donna Louise Hospice for 18 years.

She’s been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards by one of the families she cares for.

Ben Cope said: “I would like to nominate Natalie because a hero is exactly what she is and she deserves more recognition for the outstanding work and support she provides to my family, as I’m sure she will others too.

“She is our family support worker and she has been a rock for my mum and younger brother Owen since she came into the job and continuously goes above and beyond her job role in supporting both my mum and brother.

“My family has been through such a torrid time during the last 12 to 18 months and the truth is, without Natalie, I really don’t know where we would be right now.

“My brother Owen absolutely adores her which is a rarity as he isn’t very fond of many people visiting him at home. But he is always happy to see Nat and interacts with her like no other family support worker he has had in his whole life.

“She is an absolutely fantastic person and no words can justify exactly how fantastic she is. The world would be such a better place if more people were just like Nat!”

His mum, Shelley Cope, said: “Natalie is amazing! She goes above and beyond, not only for my son Owen but for all of us as a family.

“Owen has a life limiting condition and other complex physical and mental health needs and things can be quite challenging.

“Natalie is the one person who I can rely on to help with the many issues that we face on a daily basis. Nothing is ever too much trouble. She is always a phone call away and does her best to ensure Owen gets things that he needs.

“She is one very special lady and so deserves an award. I know other families think she’s absolutely amazing too. We’d be lost without her.

“When one of your family members is poorly it’s so difficult to find someone who you can trust 100%. I’ve had many carers over the years to look after Owen and they have all been great but Natalie outshines them all. She has a huge heart and is so compassionate about her job.

“She also provides respite for myself too. We’ve endured difficulties recently and she has always made sure I’ve got some rest on a weekly basis. This lady is really so very special to so many.”

Natalie said it was humbling but also a lovely feeling to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award.

“I really like supporting the families,” she said. “It’s a very bespoke job and every day is different. I love meeting different families, playing with their children and seeing how I can help.”

Sarah Franks

As a hospital receptionist Sarah Franks works with life savers every day– but a chance encounter on a car park turned her into a life saver herself.

Sarah, from Cheslyn Hay, was leaving work at County Hospital in Stafford when she was told a man had collapsed on the hospital car park.

She notified security staff then rushed to the man who she found to be unresponsive, had a head injury and appeared to be having a cardiac arrest.

Sarah immediately started to perform CPR and with help from a passer-by was able to alert the hospital’s A&E department so that they could take over his treatment.

She said: “My first thought was helping the gentleman and already knowing CPR I was able to perform it. Without this I feel the outcome would have been different.

“I am first aid trained from a previous role but this incident has meant that the hospital is looking to train all its receptionist staff in first aid to make sure we can respond promptly in future situations like this.

“After receiving care at UHNM I’m delighted that he is now doing well and I look forward to meeting with him soon to check on his progress.”

Sarah was nominated for a UHNM Chief Executive Award by Sophie Reid, Complaints, PALS and Volunteers Services Manager, and Becky Ferneyhough, Head of Nursing at County Hospital.

Sophie said: “I genuinely believe the actions that Sarah took helped to save this patient’s life. Sarah has never been faced by a situation such as this previously and acted extremely courageously.

“As her line manager, I am extremely proud of her and she should be proud of herself too as the actions that she took ultimately helped to save this gentleman’s life.”

Sarah was presented with her award by Tracy Bullock, UHNM Chief Executive.

She said: “I felt shocked but also privileged to have received the award.”

Sarah Franks has now been nominated as an NHS Hero in the Your Heroes Awards.

Antonio Ferraro

A deputy ward manager at the Royal Stoke Hospital has used his hobby to help improve the lives of patients in his care.

Four of Antonio Ferraro’s photos, showcasing the landscapes of the Peak District, are being proudly displayed in Cardiothoracic Critical Care at the hospital.

After his talents were spotted by colleagues, Antonio received funding from the UHNM Charity so his work could be hung in patient side rooms.

Antonio, who has worked for the UHNM for nine years, said: “I bought my first DSLR camera when I first qualified as a nurse, but started to take photography more seriously five or six years ago.

“Living in Leek I’m privileged to have the Peak District on my doorstep and I go out and take a lot of landscape photos. Any season there’s a lot of photos to be taken.”

Sarah Mann, Senior Quality Nurse in Cardiothoracic Critical Care, said: “Our Deputy Matron became aware of Antonio’s photos and asked if we could make use of them for the benefit of patients and staff.

“Staff in our Pods were asked to choose their favourites out of around 20 of his photos that would go on display in four of our side rooms for our more infectious or long-term patients.

“From a psychological perspective Critical Care can be very stressful for a patient and this has an impact on their recovery and can prolong their stay. Studies show that having soothing and calming displays such as this can help with things like delirium and help improve recovery.

“I’m really chuffed with the photos, they’ve turned out really well. UHNM Charity were very helpful and with their help we can’t wait to get more up across Critical Care for the benefit of our patients.”

Deputy Matron Helen Smith said: “It was clear Antonio has a talent as our staff greatly enjoy looking at his work on social media.

“These pieces are of great benefit to our patients who receive no natural light in these rooms and they give them a bit of escapism. I’m very proud of Antionio- our staff always go above and beyond for our patients.”

Antonio added: “I’m very proud when I see them. They’re a real talking point and I often ask for patients’ opinions on them – the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“It’s very pleasing to see my work appreciated by patients and colleagues and I’m very grateful to Sarah and Helen for their help.”

Antonio has been nominated in the NHS Hero category of the Your Heroes Awards.

Tracy Bullock, pictured with Dr Alison Brind

Dr Alison Brind, NHS Hero of the Year at Your Heroes 2023, lost her life to pancreatic cancer last month. Just weeks before her death she nominated someone else to receive the NHS Hero accolade.

Dr Brind’s nomination was for Tracy Bullock, CEO of the University Hospitals of North Midlands since 2019 who will retire from her role on June 28.

Dr Brind said: “Tracy has worked with the team to take the UHNM out of special measures. She has always been helpful, supportive and caring to ALL the staff. She has been visible and approachable.”

Tracy said she was taken aback to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award and in particular to have been nominated by Dr Brind.

She said: “I would like to say how emotional it made me feel receiving this nomination, although it didn’t surprise me that Alison would be thinking of others even as she neared the end of her life.

“Alison has left a tremendous legacy at UHNM and she touched so many lives with her inspirational work. I feel very honoured to receive this nomination from Alison. It was a privilege to know her and she is one of those people I will never ever forget.”

Tracy qualified as a nurse in 1987 at Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust and throughout her 18 years there she progressed through roles of increasing responsibility including ward manager, clinical risk manager, governance manager and directorate business manager.

During this time and until 2019 Tracy held a seconded role undertaking investigations and reviews for the Commission for Health Improvement, the Health Care Commission and more latterly the Care Quality Commission

In 2002 she started working as an Associate Director with a newly formed national team of healthcare professionals who were instrumental in providing support to some of the most challenged NHS Trusts in the country to achieve turnaround and latterly Foundation Trust status. During this time she gained experience working in Acute, Primary Care, Ambulance and Mental Health Trusts.

In 2006 Tracy joined Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust as Director of Nursing and Quality and was subsequently given the responsibilities of Chief Operating and then Deputy Chief Executive until becoming the Chief Executive in October 2010.

Tracy joined UHNM as the Chief Executive in April 2019 and is a highly regarded leader who has served the NHS for the entirety of her career.

Check back again soon to see more NHS Hero nominees