Surgeon at The Royal London is hailed the country’s ‘hero doctor’
Martin Griffiths was selected from across the country to receive the accolade ‘hero doctor’ in awards held to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS, hosted by ITV and the Mirror.
Awarded for ‘saving the lives on a daily basis of people who have been stabbed and shot’, Martin was also recognised for his role in caring for people injured in last year’s London Bridge terror attack.
On hearing news of the attack, Martin immediately left home making his way to The Royal London Hospital where, as one of London’s Major Trauma Centre’s, he knew he could help.
In a huge coincidence, one of the patient’s he was to operate on recognised Martin from several years earlier when he had operated on his father.
The awards celebrated the ‘extraordinary dedication, skill and often life-changing work’ of NHS staff, ahead of the 70th anniversary of the NHS on 5th July 2018.
Mr Martin Griffiths, Consultant Vascular and Trauma Surgeon and Lead for Trauma Surgery at Barts Health NHS Trust said: "I'm incredibly honoured to receive such a prestigious award.
"Having met the other awardees and hearing their incredible stories I'm clearly not a worthy recipient. I am however delighted to accept this on behalf of Barts Health for the amazing work we do to care for our community.
"It's a privilege to work with all the team and take a moment to reflect on how amazing we are when we work together.
"The NHS is a grand lady who has been watching over our nation for 70 years. Let's make sure she remains fighting fit!"
The NHS Heroes Awards were announced on Monday 14th May 2018 at a celebrity event, hosted by Paul O’Grady.
In a special message played at the event, Prince William paid tribute to all NHS staff, saying: “Perhaps the most wonderful thing about the NHS is its people. I would like to pay tribute to every member of NHS staff, and the wonderful volunteers who do so much to support them - we owe you all a huge thank you.”
The NHS Heroes Awards will be on ITV on Monday 21st May 2018 from 8.30pm.