UHNM Lead Research Practitioner receives Hero award

A research practitioner from University Hospitals of North Midlands, who spotted a colleague, was unwell and required urgent treatment has been thanked for saving their life

Katrina Parkinson, Lead Research Practitioner, noticed her colleague Tyrone Needham wasn’t himself and that over the space of a few weeks his health had deteriorated with bruises appearing on his body and bleeding coming from his mouth and gums.

Tyrone, a Research Nursing Assistant said: “I remember sitting in Katrina’s office and I broke down crying and explained how I had been feeling. Katrina was a haematology nurse and could see something wasn’t right, she never said anything but her advice was that I should have a blood test that day.”

Katrina arranged a blood test immediately and later that day Tyrone was admitted to the cancer centre and was told he would be staying in hospital for three weeks to receive treatment for acute leukaemia.

Tyrone had been living with leukaemia for six weeks and it was almost too late for treatment, because of Katrina’s quick thinking, she saved Tyrone’s life.

Katrina visited Tyrone every day in hospital sending positive quotes that helped him through his treatment.

Tyrone said: “I couldn't have got through this journey without my amazing manager Katrina. I am so grateful for everything she has done for me I am so proud to call her my manager and I am so proud and honoured that she held my hand through my whole cancer journey. She really is a HERO.”

Katrina was presented with a UHNM Hero award for the support and care she showed to Tyrone.

Helen Ashley, Deputy Chief Executive said: “I am delighted to present Katrina with a Hero award. To hear how she helped Tyrone throughout his journey is truly inspiring and we are so privileged to have her working at UHNM.”

Katrina, said: “It was a complete surprise to receive this award and it has been a lovely gesture to be recognised by the Trust and nominated by a member of staff. I am moving back into a clinical role in oncology so I can continue to help and support patients through their treatment and follow up journey.”

Tyrone is now five months in remission and has returned back to work.