Editor's View: Sheffield's medics are the real heroes

Retiring medics can look back on a career that has impacted on thousands of people.

None more so that consultant Alan Gibson who is preparing to leave The Jessop Wing of Sheffield’s Hallamshire Hospital after thirty years.

During those three decades, the dedicated doctor working in neonatal care has saved countless very young lives.

He is rightly proud of the 24/7 response offered by the dedicated team of professionals in his unit; with very tiny babies potential disaster can strike at a moment’s notice and medical staff have to be prepared to intervene whatever time of day or night an emergency arises.

And it is this response that we tend to take for granted.

We are very lucky to have an NHS that is the envy of the world. In Sheffield we are particularly fortunate that we have first class teaching hospitals that are leading institutions providing first class patient care that serve not only the city but the whoel region.This is very much the case with maternity services and the care of children.

As a parent, you can be certain that if your child is unfortunate enough to need hospital care, you are in one of the best places in the country to receive that care.

Parents Gemma Meeson and Paul Lindsay are among those who have good reason to be grateful for the expertise on their doorstep.

Their reflections on the terrifying hours and days after the birth of their 12-week premature son, William, illustrate all that is best about our hospitals.

But the parents of a now bouncing and healthy baby are grateful not only for the skill of Alan Gibson and his team, but also for the personal qualities that the consultant brought to his demanding role.

Not only did he demonstate the medical knowledge that you would expect of a leading consultant, he also took time to talk to the couple, to reassure them. His presence and manner instilled confidence.

Mr Gibson is grateful that during his career he could help so many families. That gratitude is returned by the many parents he saw at the Jessop; to them he is a real hero.

And it is superheroes that are the theme of a fundraising event that the retiring doctor is throwing his weight behind.

The third annual Jessops buggy push will raise money to continue the good work of the neonatal unit that is such a vital part of the health service in South Yorkshire.

The 5k event at Rother Valley Country Park takes place on May 22 and promises to be a great day out for the whole family.

For full details about how you can do your bit turn to pages 18 and 19.