A NURSE has been shortlisted for a British Heart Foundation ‘Heart Hero’ award.

Michaela Wheatley is an Advanced Heart Failure Nurse Specialist at St Barnabas House in Worthing.

She was nominated for the award by the family of a patient she supported at the end of his life.

John Crammond, known as Ian, was referred to St Barnabas House by the Cardiac Unit at Worthing Hospital.

His grandson Harry Finnigan said: “Michaela visited Grandpa at home and went through some very difficult questions with my mum, aunt and Grandpa to ensure his wishes were met.

“She was with us the whole way until he died.

“Michaela gave us all more valuable time with Grandpa during his last few weeks and made his life more comfortable, enabling him to have a dignified death surrounded by those he loved.”

St Barnabas House made the decision in 2016 to introduce a new Disease Specific Nursing Team to provide specialist palliative care for patients with specific illnesses, including advanced heart failure.

Michaela said: “I feel very honoured to have been nominated for this award.

“I am really quite overwhelmed as it is always a wonderful feeling when our hard work and dedication is recognised It was a privilege to support Ian.”