Trust praised during NHS Heroes Awards

Staff at Guy’s and St Thomas’ were praised during The NHS Heroes Awards, organised by ITV and the Mirror.

The host, TV presenter Paul O’Grady, invited Professor Simon Redwood, consultant cardiologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’, onto the stage to thank him and the critical care team for the care he received after suffering a heart attack in 2013.

As part of the treatment Paul received he spent some time in the critical care unit and underwent an angioplasty, led by Professor Redwood, to remove a blockage in his artery.

The nurses from the critical care team who treated Paul were also in attendance at the event, which was held to mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS.

Professor Redwood said: “It was really rewarding to be recognised in this way, and it was great to see so many people from across the NHS being celebrated for the outstanding work they do. A huge team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ treated Paul and we are all really pleased he has made a full recovery.”

The Trust’s maternity team were also recognised at the event. In a video message broadcast during the awards ceremony Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid thanked the team for the care she received during the birth of her children. Susanna said: “The midwife team at Guy’s and St Thomas’ saw me through an emergency caesarean and traumatic forceps birth. They are extraordinary people going beyond the call of duty.”

A number of staff from the Trust were nominated to attend the event by their colleagues. Janet MacDonald, a transport team leader, was selected to go after she saved the Trust more than £50,000 by finding cheaper office space for the transport team to rent. 

Janet MacDonald said: “It was brilliant being able to walk down the red carpet and rubbing shoulders with so many famous faces. I met some truly amazing people who work for the NHS and hearing all of their inspirational stories made me really appreciate the health service. It was also extra special seeing teams at Guy’s and St Thomas’ being recognised for the outstanding care they provide. I’m really thankful for my colleagues for nominating me to attend the event. I had an amazing time and I don’t think I will ever forgot it.”

The NHS Heroes Awards was broadcast on ITV on Monday 21 May 2018.