Consultant Cardiologist wins Clinical Excellence prize

A Consultant Cardiologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been celebrated for making a significant difference to patients' care.

Dr Eleanor Wicks was presented the Ronald Raven Award for Clinical Excellence by Cardiomyopathy UK, a charity that supports families affected by heart muscle disease, at its 2019 National Conference in London (9 November 2019).

Dr Wicks, who works at the Heart Centre in the John Radcliffe Hospital, was recognised alongside four others for making a significant contribution towards raising awareness of cardiomyopathy.

Her exemplary treatment of patients with cardiomyopathy, a disease of the heart muscle that makes it harder for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body, was reflected in her nominations.

One of the nominations from a patient read: "I have never met a Doctor that has put so much time into her patients, always willing answer questions and provide guidance, reassurance, and positivity.

"Her care in my case has been exemplary and has ensured that I have been able to continue with life to most extent since being under her treatment.

"She is a very deserving candidate and I hope she receives the recognition she so strongly deserves."

Another nomination said: "Eleanor is incredibly passionate about caring for patients with cardiomyopathy. She is meticulous and sincere.

"She is a huge source of support to a lot of patients with inherited cardiac conditions."

Dr Wicks, who gave a presentation on restrictive cardiomyopathy at the conference, said: "I am enormously touched and humbled to receive this award and would like to highlight my entire team who work tirelessly to provide responsive, quality care to which we all aspire.

"They have fantastic energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to our service, patients and their families, and to the Cardiomyopathy UK charity.

"Together we are able provide incredible support and education for so many families affected by heart muscle diseases."

Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. At least one person in 500 of the UK population has a type of the disease, and it affects people of all ages. While not curable, people can be treated and lead a long and full life.

Meghana Pandit, Chief Medical Officer at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The Trust recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of Oxford Heart Centre, and this award for Dr Wicks is a perfect example of how the centre and its hardworking staff are making such a positive difference to our patients.

"We are extremely proud of Dr Wicks and her achievement."

Joel Rose, Chief Executive of Cardiomyopathy UK, said: "We are delighted to present Dr Eleanor Wicks with The Ronald Raven Award for Clinical Excellence for her outstanding contribution to people affected by the condition.

"This coveted award is highly regarded within the clinical community and recognises everything she has done for the charity and the people we support."

Pictured: Eleanor Wicks, Consultant Cardiologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is presented with the Ronald Raven Award for Clinical Excellence by Jill O’Connell, Cardiomyopathy UK Board of Trustees member