Winning doctor is always cheerful
A lung specialist whose patients say has an unwavering dedication to research and regularly goes the extra mile is the Kent Messenger’s Hospital Hero 2016.
Dr Leon D’Cruz of the respiratory research department at Maidstone Hospital was given several nominations for our award.
The research associate was praised for the support and care he gives, including arranging seminars for those with lung problems and being instrumental in setting up the Kent Lung Awareness charity.
Dr D’Cruz also flew abroad twice to get the right training on complex equipment, picking up the cost himself. He has worked for the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust for two years and said he was humbled by his win.
He said: “Setting up the charity was so important as I felt there was no representation for lung issues in Kent.
“I’ve organised several public engagement events because when you get large numbers of people who are well informed about their conditions and understand how medication works, it spreads among others.
“I really believe research is the way to go.”
He is looking at ways asthma might be eased and praised the support of others in his department, including his manager, chest consultant, Dr Syed Arshad Husain.
Proving he’s not averse to throwing himself into new situations, he is also making a cake for a charity event later this month. It will be his first-ever attempt at baking.
He was announced as the KM award’s winner on Friday at the Staff Stars night held by the trust at the Hop Farm in Paddock Wood. It was hosted by Debbie McGee, radio presenter and wife of the late magician Paul Daniels.
Anne Baughurst of the Kent Lung Awareness charity said: “Dr D’Cruz does tremendous work with our charity. He is always on hand, always cheerful and is a fantastic doctor.”
Hospital Hero nominees were: Maidstone Critical Care Unit, including nurse Michaela Ferreria, Dr Holly Carpenter, Robert Collis and the radiotherapy department at Maidstone Hospital.