Award for doctor who saved unit

A Black Country doctor who took a wage cut to save his department from the axe has been honoured at the national Hospital Doctor Awards in London's Park Lane Hilton Hotel.

Dr Jon Raphael was nominated for his work in saving the pain relief unit at Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital, which was nearly axed because of fears it was too expensive to run. He took a 20 per cent pay cut to pay for extra staff.

The money was used to bring in a dedicated psychologist and physiotherapist for the clinics.

After a review the service was deemed too valuable to cut and was saved from the axe.

Mr Raphael and his team were presented with the award by TV's Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman as part of a glittering ceremony in London.

There are 15 categories in the awards, which seek to honour doctors who have come up with innovative ways to improve patient care.

The Russells Hall team was named as the Pain Medicine in Anaesthesia medical team of the year at the awards.

Gwen Timmins, who runs a fundraising group for the pain relief unit at the hospital after having treatment there, said Mr Raphael was a "fabulous guy".

"He is very courteous and hard-working, very friendly with the patients and outstanding at his job," Mrs Timmins said.

"He is the kind of doctor you don't want to lose because he is brilliant at his job and also a lovely person.

"I am delighted to hear that him and his team have been recognised in this way."

Mr Raphael and his team were not the only winners from the Midlands on the night. He was joined by Dr Sanju George and his team from The Bridge Clinic in Solihull, who were named as medical team of the year.

Other categories cover major clinical areas such as cardiology, cancer and psychiatry.