Helen is 'Hero of the NHS'

 

 Picture courtesy of 'The Sentinel 'newspaper

A breast care nurse at University Hospital has won the title of 'Hero of the NHS' at an awards ceremony held by The Sentinel newspaper. Helen Francis picked up the award alongside other celebrated unsung heroes from across the communities of North Staffordshire. Other awards categories included 'Child of Courage', 'Beyond the Call of Duty' and 'Community Group of the Year'. (Helen pictured with Port Vale's Micky Adams)

Helen said: "It was a great honour and a great surprise to win the award. There had been a number of nominees for each category, who were then whittled down to just three. I didn't expect to win because the other nominees were just as deserving, but I was thrilled. Without the support of my wonderful colleagues in the breast care nursing team I couldn't have achieved what I have and I am very grateful for their hard work and dedication. 

"I was given a bottle of champagne, a silver salver, a certificate and 500 pounds as a prize.  I wanted to give the money to Charitable Funds, but my friends and colleagues convinced me to keep it for myself. I'm actually going to use it towards going abroad on a girly holiday. I have a friend who has recently recovered from cancer and she will be able to come along this time, so it will be extra special."

Helen said: "20 years ago I saw there was a huge need for a Breast Care Nursing Team to be established. In my early days in the surgical clinic I saw women diagnosed with breast cancer and then leaving clinic with no support or information. I realised just how crucial it was that women are given professional emotional and practical support and information as they progress through their cancer journey. I started the team single handed in 1995 and now the team has grown into a very successful, well established and dedicated team of Nurse Specialists and the model for this has been repeated throughout many other departments in the hospital.  Clinical Nurse Specialist Teams are now a well established vital element of the Multidisciplinary Teams which care for our patients."

Helen was nominated by one of her patients Fiona Ford. Fiona herself has been doing some very good work towards raising money for a wig salon for the hospital for those suffering from cancer. The 46-year-old, of Woore, said: "Helen has had such a huge impact on how I have coped with my illness.  Without her, I just wouldn't have got through the way I have."