Grandma's £5k thank you to NUH staff | Latest news

Grandma's £5k thank you to NUH staff

NHS workers in Nottingham’s hospitals will enjoy a £5,000 Coronation party thanks to a cancer patient who put them forward in a national competition.

Mary Morgan, 72, wanted to recognise and thank the staff whose care, expertise and dedication has given her precious time with her grandchildren.

“I found out I had bowel cancer during the pandemic,” said Mary. “I was so scared, I immediately feared the worst.”

Mary nominated Nottingham University Hospitals (NUH) NHS Trust to Win a Coronation Party, run by the Sun on Sunday and supermarket chain Morrison’s.

“When I was diagnosed, NUH staff instantly scooped me up and were there for me. We are very lucky to have the NHS - without the NHS I wouldn’t have this time with my sons or my grandchildren.”

Healthcare Assistant Aiden Mills struck up a good rapport with Mary, nicknaming her Biscuit Lady as she brought him his favourite Hobnobs every time she came in for treatment or a check-up.

He said: “It is amazing to realise you have such an impact on people. We don’t go into this looking for praise – we’re just doing our job. But for someone to do something like this for us, it really means a lot to us.”

Oncology matron Debra Holmes added; "Our staff really appreciate this recognition - it was a complete surprise!

"Many of our teams know Mary and speak very highly of her. They feel honoured to be part of all their patients' lives and how they make a positive impact during someone's personal journey. 

"They all agree that it's teamwork - they value each other all being cogs in a wheel to working together with members of the multidisciplinary team to make a difference to patients," added Debra.

“All NUH staff are a wonderful bunch and they truly deserve this party and so much more,” said Mary. “The oncology team have such huge hearts. But it is all the staff, from the porters to the consultants – they are amazing and go the extra mile every single day; I take my hat off to all of them. If I could have made two nominations I would have nominated A&E too.

“I can’t wait for the Coronation. I am so pleased that the Trust that once cared for the King can have this special party.”

NUH chief executive Anthony May said: “To be chosen as the overall winner, from a wide range of national nominations, is a wonderful recognition for everyone at NUH. It will be an honour to hold a party to celebrate the Coronation of our new King.”

NUH has a special connection to the King; in 1990 Charles had a three-hour operation on his arm after an accident while playing polo, and stayed at QMC for a week.

A bronze bust has stood in QMC foyer since then. Its commemorative plaque has now been updated to reflect his status as King.

And while NUH staff take a well-earned break to enjoy the party on Saturday, hundreds of patients will be served a celebratory afternoon tea on the wards, with the coronation streamed live by Nottingham Hospitals Radio.

NUH Estates and Facilities staff have pulled out all the stops to mark the Coronation; as well as the afternoon teas, they have erected Union Flags across City and QMC, created a Union Flag-themed flower bed at the corner of East Block, installed a commemorative bench at City and QMC, and hung a framed photograph of His Majesty the King in the foyer of Trust HQ, QMC, and Ropewalk House.

Trust HQ and the QMC will be illuminated purple for the whole weekend of celebrations.

Mike Soroka, Tom Lappin, and Michael Hough, from Estates and Facilities, will join Anthony May for a special Coronation service at Southwell Minster on Sunday. The service – which runs from 11.15am to 12.15pm will be live streamed here: A Service to Celebrate the Coronation | Southwell Minster

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