A ‘FORWARD-thinking’ Stourbridge healthcare worker will soon find out if she is a national hero after being named as a finalist in the Our Health Heroes Awards.

Lisa Perkins, who works for LymphCare UK, based at The Lodge at Mary Stevens Hospice, is one of the 24 unsung heroes who has made it through to the award’s ‘Operational Services Worker of the Year’ final after winning the West Midlands regional selection.

The awards, created by Skills for Health and the National Skills Academy for Health, celebrate the exceptional contribution made by healthcare staff including hospital porters, emergency care assistants and admin officers who are crucial in the delivery of patient care yet rarely get praised for the work they do.

Lisa was nominated for her high standard of work and always challenging herself. She is described as a person who is “always smiling and happy to help all patents”.

A spokesperson for LymphCare UK said: “A forward thinker who is constantly finding new ways of effective working, Lisa is a true representative of the organisation.”

Lisa, a secretary at the organisation, said: “I am delighted and overwhelmed with pride. I am really lucky to work with a team who are constantly developing and evolving.

“We are encouraged to do the same as individuals, where I have risen to the challenge of developing from an administrative support role to company secretary, which has benefitted the organisations mission of improving people’s lives who suffer with Lymphoedema.”

John Rogers, chief executive at Skills for Health, said: “The NHS couldn’t function without the dedication of clinical support workers and operational service staff. They ensure that hospitals and healthcare practices around the UK provide the best care possible for patients.

“Each of our 24 national finalists are already winners in their region, and should be proud of their commitment to their roles in healthcare.”

The national winners will be announced at a special awards ceremony in London today (Tuesday, November 29).