Award for receptionist's life-saving action

County Hospital receptionist Sarah Franks was leaving work when she was told a man had collapsed in the car park

A hospital receptionist who helped save the life of a man collapsed in the car park has received an award from the boss of the NHS trust.

Sarah Franks performed CPR on the man in the car park at County Hospital, in Stafford, after he was found unresponsive with a head injury.

She was nominated for a University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) Chief Executive Award by her colleagues for her actions.

The receptionist said she felt shocked and privileged to get the award, and was delighted that the man was now doing well following treatment.

Ms Franks had been leaving work in February when she was told of the incident, and after making security staff aware, she began to treat the man, and with assistance from a passer-by, get help from the A&E department.

"I genuinely believe the actions that Sarah took helped to save this patient’s life," said her manager Sophie Reid.

"Sarah has never been faced by a situation such as this previously and acted extremely courageously."

The receptionist said her first thought was to help, and if she had not known how to perform CPR, the outcome could have been different.

“After receiving care at UHNM I’m delighted that he is now doing well and seeing him recently I can’t believe it’s the same person," she said.