A breast care nurse, specialist physiotherapist and a midwife have been recognised as NHS Heroes for going the extra mile to improve life for patients in Bradford.

Breast care nurse specialist Mandy Blackburn, MS specialist physiotherapist Emma Manchester and midwife Kitty Salsbury, who all work for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, were nominated in a national scheme as part of the NHS’s 64th anniversary celebrations, to highlight the achievements of staff who show exceptional compassion, kindness and skill above and beyond the call of everyday duty.

Mandy, who is based at the Pennine Screening Unit at St Luke’s Hospital, was nominated by one of her breast cancer patients, who said: “My cancer diagnosis was completely unexpected so I was extremely shocked to receive this news.

“Mandy was there when the consultant delivered this bombshell. She immediately recognised my anxiety and put the impending prospects of my surgery into context.

“Mandy was like a guardian angel to me throughout my treatment. She phoned me before and after each procedure to see how I was feeling and was able to help me with all of the mental anxieties which are associated with cancer. I really believe that Mandy went over and above her role of cancer nurse – she is truly inspirational.”

Emma, who is based at St Luke’s Hospital, was nominated by patient David Lupton, who said: “Emma was my physiotherapist when I couldn't walk due to a rare illness. She encouraged me to work hard and always gave me hope of a good recovery.

“Emma put herself out to give me exercises that would improve my overall strength after being paralysed and also improve my balance.

“After she got me back on my feet and I really improved, she referred me for gym exercises to carry on improving. Emma would say she was only doing her job, but I know that without her commitment I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

BRI midwife Kitty Salsbury’s nomination was put forward by a mum, who said: “After I had a horrendous time delivering my first still born son in October 2009, she saw my name on the delivery ward again way before my due date and knew that I had lost my baby again. This was 2010 and she asked if she could take care of me, knowing what I had gone through before, even though she had just qualified as a midwife and knew that she was faced with delivering a baby who would never take his first breath.

“She was amazing and there should be many more like her in the NHS.”

Bryan Millar, chief executive of Bradford Teaching Hospitals, said: “I am delighted that these three members of NHS staff have been recognised for their hard work and dedication to patients in providing the best possible healthcare and going beyond the call of duty every single day. On behalf of the Foundation Trust, I’d like to thank them for their efforts.”