Paediatric Consultant, Dr Athanasios Konstantinidis has been formally recognised as the ‘People’s Health Hero’ at a heartfelt award presentation.
The award forms part of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust’s annual Star Awards which gives thanks and recognition to their health care teams or individuals working across all the Trust’s sites in East Lancashire.
Unique from the other 11 categories, nominations for this award come directly from patients and their families, making it a particularly special honour.
Known affectionately as ‘Dr Thanos’, he was nominated by Khadija Ahmed for the compassionate care he provided to her daughter, Madiyyah, in April 2024 during treatment at Blackburn Royal Teaching Hospital.
The winners of the Star Awards were announced at an online ceremony held in September, but Dr Thanos was visibly moved when both Khadija and Madiyyah attended the Children’s Unit at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital to personally thank Dr Thanos and witness him receive his trophy just one week later.
Khadija’s nomination highlighted the empathy and understanding Dr Thanos, who joined ELHT seven years ago, showed during a difficult time for the family. At the time, the family were getting ready to celebrate Eid so Dr Thanos went above and beyond to make sure the family were at home, not in hospital, during the festivities.
Khadija added: Although Dr Thanos may not remember us, we will forever remember the kindness and empathy he showed us during a very tough time.
“Being able to spend Eid as a family during such uncertainty was the tonic that we needed.”
Dr Thanos said: “It is such an honour to receive this award - especially when the nomination comes from a family that I met a few years ago.
“Hearing the kind words that Khadija had to say was deeply moving and I am honoured that she made the nomination. It also goes to show how deeply what we do impacts on what are often very difficult patient journeys.”
Presenting the award, ELHT’s Chief Executive Martin Hodgson said: “Our awards judging panel were blown away not only by Dr Thanos’ clinical excellence but for the wrap-around support he offers to families during some of the most challenging moments of their lives.
“The lasting impact Dr Thanos’ actions have left on Khadija and her family is abundantly clear and I was incredibly honoured to present him with his trophy. Thank you so much to Khadija for sharing her story with us and making the nomination.”
The presentation was part of a series of individual award handovers following the virtual Star Awards ceremony which allows for a more personal celebration and an opportunity to say thank you directly to the winners.
The awards were made possible due to sponsorship from Equans, Consort, and Burnley General Hospital Phase V SPC Ltd.