UHNM Employee of the Month: Dr Biju Thomas

A consultant radiologist who came in on his weekend off to carry out a life-saving procedure has been awarded University Hospitals of North Midlands’ (UHNM) Employee of the Month.

During a challenging on-call period, a critically unwell patient required an urgent interventional radiology procedure that could not be delayed. Although not on duty, Dr Thomas immediately came into the Royal Stoke to carry out the procedure which quickly improved the patient’s condition.

Dr Biju Thomas was nominated by Dr Haroon Khan, a gastrointestinal radiology trainee, in recognition of his “exceptional commitment to patient care and his consistent demonstration of UHNM’s values”.

Dr Khan said: “Despite not being rostered and being at home on his weekend off, Dr Thomas came straight in to help. His timely intervention can genuinely be regarded as life-saving.

“This was not a one-off, Dr Thomas has a track record of stepping in during complex or time-pressured situations to make sure patients receive the best possible care. He consistently supports colleagues and strengthens the service through his expertise and reliability.

“He demonstrates compassion, professionalism and collaboration every day, and sets a standard that inspires those around him.”

Presenting the award, Dr Simon Constable, chief executive, said: “This is exactly the kind of care and commitment we want to see. Helping someone in really difficult circumstances and going above and beyond when there was no obligation to come in, not everybody would do that, but Dr Thomas did, and that is really special.

“It’s also important that this nomination has come from a doctor in training. That role modelling, showing others what great care looks like and what going above and beyond means is incredibly important.

Dr Thomas said: “The easiest way to approach situations like this is to think of the patient as your own family member. If you would want a doctor to come in for them then the answer is simple.”