Son’s heart-warming thanks to surgeon for saving dad’s life
A Bristol heart surgeon and his team have been nominated for a special health award - by a man who credits them for saving his father’s life. Tim Penney’s dad Bruce collapsed near the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Berkshire seven years ago. Bruce, who lives in Yeovil, was given emergency treatment by two off-duty doctors who revived him before calling for an ambulance. Bruce, who was 68 at the time, was then taken to the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading where his condition was stabilised. Once well enough, former paint sprayer Bruce was transferred to the Bristol Heart Institute where he was cared for by Professor Gianni Angelini and the cardiac team. Bruce was fitted with a stent by Professor Angelini and his team - a move Tim says undoubtedly saved his dad’s life. Seven years on and Bruce, now 75, is back in Yeovil and enjoying life to the full, gardening, volunteering as a ranger and attending clubs. Mr Penney has nominated Professor Angelini, who is head of the cardiac department at Bristol Heart Institute, and his team in the Healthcare Team of the Year category Bristol and Bath Healthcare Awards. The awards - this year sponsored by Emerson Green Treatment Centre - are run in association with the Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle to celebrate and recognise the everyday people in hospitals, GP surgeries and charitable groups who go that extra mile to keep us healthy and happy. Mr Penney, 47, said: “What Professor Angelini and his team did saved my dad’s life. He is now back at home and living his life as normal because of their amazing care. “My dad says that the nurses on the ward were also fantastic and when he was worried one night, one of the nurses stayed with him to comfort him. “Dad has been pretty well ever since and is enjoying life and I wanted to nominate Professor Angelini and his team for an award in recognition of the wonderful work they do. “The nomination is not just for my dad, but also on behalf of all the other people they have helped.” Mr Penney has also written to the Royal College of Surgeons to highlight the work of Professor Angelini and his team. He added: “It would mean so much to us as a family to honour this great man and team with such an award. The work they have done into cardiac surgery has been inspiring and inspirational.” Over the last 10 years Professor Angelini has been at the forefront of the cardiac surgery community worldwide with his work leading to significant changes in adult and paediatric cardiac surgery practice. He is regarded as a world leader in many major areas of research. The winners of the awards, now in their third year, will be announced on October 2 at the Bristol Harbour Hotel.