Nurse Kate, Hugh are my hero!

Kate Walker and Hugh McDonald

Rescue in the snow leads to award nomination

AN Oldham nurse who helped in a dramatic rescue during the winter snows has been recognised for her heroic efforts.

Kate Walker (25) put all her training into action when she came to the aid of Hugh McDonald, who had suffered a badly broken leg in a fall in the treacherous conditions.

Now, Kate has been nominated in the Nurse of the Year category in the Pennine Acute Trust’s first annual staff awards.

The drama unfolded as Kate was ploughing her way through snowdrifts on a four-mile walk to work at the Royal Oldham Hospital in December.

She stumbled across Mr McDonald and John Battye, who were both elected as local councillors in last month’s elections.

The pair were on their way to see Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas in Springhead when Councillor McDonald fell near the Spinner’s Arms, breaking his left leg.

Kate leapt into action and, with the help of residents, she organised blankets, waterproof ground sheets, hot water bottles, duvets and bedding, as well as helping to clear a path through the snow for an ambulance.

She kept in contact with ambulance control until Oldham Mountain Rescue Team managed to reach the scene an hour later, after the ambulance was unable to get through.

Working in freezing fog and snow, Kate helped erect a tent over Councillor McDonald, and assisted paramedics in administering morphine, before he was taken to the Royal Oldham Hospital.

Councillor McDonald said: “I was very grateful Kate was there. She put painkillers in my leg so I didn’t feel a thing.

“She just came past at the time I had the accident and jumped right in. It couldn’t have been more fortuitous, she was incredible.”

Kate’s efforts have now earned her special recognition from her employers, and she has been singled out for special mention by Pennine Acute Trust’s chairman, John Jesky.

He sent her a personal letter which said: “I should like to commend you for the dedication you showed in dealing with this situation.

“The service that people in the NHS give is often taken for granted, but I really do believe that your actions and professionalism were in the finest tradition of the NHS.”

After the incident, Mr Woolas praised all the services who helped out, calling them heroes.

He said: “They have done a terrific job and deserve every ounce of praise we can give them.”

Kate will find out if she has clinched the nurse of the year title at an awards ceremony on July 1, hosted by actress Sally Lindsay, who played “Coronation Street” barmaid Shelley Unwin.