THE grandson of a patient who was taken to John Radcliffe hospital’s emergency assessment unit says the nursing assistant who helped him is a “hero”.

When Fraser Proudfoot’s grandfather was taken into the Headington-based hospital after suffering a head injury in June, the 22-year-old was very concerned.

His grandad Tony, 88, suffers from dementia and can sometimes become confused and disorientated. The condition worsened after a recent infection and a fall at his home in Witney.

But the worries melted away when nursing assistant Tracey Roberts showed “real compassion” for the grandfather.

Now Mr Proudfoot, a charity fundraiser for Sobell House Hospice in Oxford, has nominated Miss Roberts for the Oxford Mail Hospital Heroes awards.

The Witney resident said: “My grandfather has dementia and became very confused and dehydrated due to an infection.

“He spent a couple of days in the emergency assessment unit being treated for delirium.

“But Tracey was great in understanding that.

“She treated him like a normal person, was very patient and helped him to regain some of his independence.”

He added: “Tracey has such a lovely manner with her patients.

“She was bubbly and chatty with my grandad, putting him at ease and making everything seem less scary.

“She even brought him books and magazines.

“When he was ready to move on to a ward, Tracey came in early on her shift so she could say goodbye and hopefully make him feel less anxious.”

Miss Roberts, 38, who has worked at the John Radcliffe Hospital for 11 years, still maintains she was “just doing her job”.

The Marston resident said: “I was surprised by the nomination but it is an incredible honour to be nominated. I’m always trying to bring a cheery atmosphere to the place.

“No-one wants to be in hospital, so it’s important to make them feel at ease, and help make their stay nicer.”

Mr Proudfoot’s grandfather soon returned to his home where he lives independently, with the help of home care workers and his family.

SPECIAL NIGHT
The Oxford Mail has teamed up with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) for the third year to celebrate the extraordinary work of its hospital workers.

Readers had the chance to nominate staff working across the trust’s sites, including nurses, midwives, porters, consultants, healthcare assistants, volunteers and all those behind the scenes who have made a real difference in their lives.

Winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Oxford Town Hall tomorrow.