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Dr Alison Brind named ‘NHS Hero’ at Your Heroes Awards

A UHNM consultant is celebrating being named NHS Hero at the annual Your Hero Awards.

Dr Alison Brind, a senior gastroenterologist, received the award in recognition of her fundraising work with UHNM Charity following being diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer last year.

Dr Brind has so far raised over £11,000 for UHNM Charity through events including a fundraising Parkrun.

She was nominated for her award by former patient Richard Allen.

She said: “I did not quite know what to expect when I arrived at the ceremony, but the room was bubbly with excitement, and I found a full size photo of me looking at me.

There were so many worthy groups and people shortlisted and it was great to hear about such a different range of nominees and see their videos. It was fantastic to meet the VIPs who had given their time to present the awards, I was treated to a gentle hug from boxer Nathan Heaney.

I felt so honoured to have won the award and cherished the memorable evening, but I’m sure there are people in the NHS in Staffordshire who do so much more than I did and need nominating next year.

Dr Brind was one of five members of UHNM staff nominated in the NHS Heroes category, as well as Naser Rashid, a third-year practice student at Staffordshire University. Naser was highly commended at the awards for his contributions to UHNM’s Ethics Committee whilst on placement in Theatres at County Hospital.

Sarah Bentley, Sister said: “Having worked with Naser on his placement, I have seen his significant work with UHNM’s Ethics Committee around religious compliance, and he has achieved very high recognition within the Trust.

His work has helped shape Trust policies and will have a long-lasting benefit for patients of different religions undergoing treatment in UHNM.”

Congratulations also go to other nominated UHNM colleagues:

• Cath Smith, a nurse in the Acute Medical Rapid Assessment Unit at Royal Stoke who has worked at UHNM for 45 years
• Taylor Pointon, a nursing assistant in the Royal Stoke’s Eye Clinic who has supported other apprentices at UHNM
• Richard McLeod, a Dementia Liaison Nurse at County Hospital who has made it his mission to put a smile on the faces of his colleagues
• Laura Boyles, Deputy Ward Manager on Ward 205 at Royal Stoke’s Maternity Centre, who as well as her clinical role also runs Basford Cub Scouts

The Your Heroes Awards, organised by Staffordshire University in partnership with local organisations and businesses celebrates the unsung heroes of Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.

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