A ‘LIFE-SAVING’ nurse at the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) has been named the latest Health Hero.

Mel McMahon, who works on Powys Ward at the Gobowen hospital, won the award after receiving 12 nominations from her colleagues who described her as "passionate, professional and caring".

Powys Ward manager Deb Povall, one of those who nominated Mel for the award, said: "Mel provides leadership beyond her years; this was demonstrated in a recent emergency when she stayed calm and led the team which saved a life. Every manager would be lucky to have a Mel.”

Others who nominated Mel were Sister Heather Owen, acute pain sister Nicki Williams, ward clerk Angela Roberts, student nurse Charlotte Rigg, staff nurses Sarah Holgate and Ellie Smith, and healthcare assistants Jeremy Chavez, Jen Richardson, Hazel Arnold, Ruth Llewellyn and Julie Beardmore.

Ruth said: “She is a brilliant staff nurse who is always happy and smiley. I always enjoy and look forward to working with her.”

And Nicki said: “Mel is kind, approachable and intelligent as well as proactive, supportive to others and unaware of how good she is.”

The award was presented to Mel by chief executive Mark Brandreth.

Mel said: “I’m completely in shock. I work with an amazing team and I couldn’t ask for better colleagues.

“I want to thank them all for the nominations and the lovely things they said about me.”

Mark said: “It’s clear by her colleagues’ words that Mel is a highly-valued member of staff and her devotion to her patients is an inspiration to everyone.

“For 12 of her colleagues to take time out of their busy working day to nominate her really speaks volumes, she is a very worthy winner and we are fortunate to have her as part of our team.”