Special thanks to haematology team from wife of former patient

Back row left to right: Dr Nimish Shah, Consultant Haematologist, Tracey McConnell, Medical Laboratory Science Officer, Haematology Liz McClagish, Haematology Nurse Specialist, Dr Matt Lawes, Consultant Haematologist and Service Director, Debbie Neale, Patient Pathway Co-ordinator
Front row left to right: Jasmine Nabarro, Patient Pathway Co-ordinator, Support Assistant, Dr Angela Collins, Consultant Haematologist
Karen Berry, Senior Medical Secretary

A team from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital received a special thank you during Paul O’Grady’s BBC Radio 2 show where listeners are invited to nominate teams which deserve recognition.

The Haematology Department was nominated for the special thanks from Jane Duffield-Bish from Norwich whose husband, Geoff, died in January.

Mr Bish was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2003 and was treated by the team at the Haematology Department.

Mrs Duffield-Bish said in her letter to the show, which was nominated letter of the week: “In 2003, my husband, Geoff, was diagnosed with leukaemia and given weeks to live.

“In spite of the appalling odds and against anyone’s expectations, Geoff went into remission and stayed that way for many years.

“Sadly, he died at home in January but Geoff endured his illness with humour and optimism and I will be proud of him forever.

“I would like to thank the wonderful doctors and nurses who cared for him with compassion and kindness throughout and who, most importantly, gave us as a family 13 more years together which we did not expect to have.”

Paul O’Grady added: “I’m really sorry to hear about your brave husband, Geoff, and it would be my pleasure to thank the great team at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on your behalf.”

Dr Matthew Lawes, Service Director for Haematology, said: “As a department, we were honoured to have been nominated by Mrs Duffield-Bish for the award.

“I am particularly pleased that the whole department, including the laboratory and blood bank, can be recognised for their hard work and dedication to working with and supporting patients with haematological cancers.”

The department will receive a certificate from the show.