PM honours the Mail’s unsung health heroes
THERESA May last night paid tribute to the unsung health heroes who ‘epitomise the very best of the NHS’.
Presenting the Daily Mail’s Health Hero Awards, she praised the nominees for their ‘care, compassion and dedication’.
Speaking before a ceremony in central London, the Prime Minister said: ‘You are there for us when we need you most. Tonight we are here for you.
‘What unites you is your commitment, willingness to go the extra mile, your dedication. And that is true not just of you but all those people working in the National Health Service.’
Five finalists were shortlisted – a GP, a hospital cleaner, a volunteer on a dementia ward, a nurse and a surgeon. The award went to surgeon Sohier Elneil, a gynaecologist at University College London Hospital who was nominated for her role uncovering the vaginal mesh scandal.
‘Tonight we say thank you to a surgeon whose remarkable empathy and determination is not only transforming the lives of her own patients but improving care for others too,’ Mrs May said.
Miss Elneil raised the alarm about vaginal mesh more than a decade ago when a patient was referred to her complaining of crippling pelvic pain.
She investigated and found plastic mesh used to help with urinary incontinence had disintegrated. After complex surgery to remove it, the patient was able to return to normal life.
Miss Elneil helped pioneer a procedure to safely remove vaginal mesh and dedicated her career to raising the alarm about the dangerous treatment despite the resistance of her profession.
The Government last year suspended the use of the mesh, which has been given to an estimated 100,000 women.
Mrs May congratulated Miss Elneil, saying: ‘You have shown the importance of championing the voice of patients. You have helped change the way in which mesh is used. You’ve made a real difference to people’s lives – you are truly a health hero.’
Miss Elneil, who won a £5,000 luxury holiday, said of her award: ‘I’m trying not to break down. It’s just amazing. The team will feel so validated.’
The Prime Minister also thanked the Daily Mail for launching the Health Hero Awards.