Prime Minister chats with nursing team given 'hero' medals by grateful Leeds patient, 87

As previously reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post, former ambulance worker William Wheatley, 87, of Meanwood, presented medals inscribed with 'Hero 2020' to the team of 12 community nurses who care for him - and news of his special gifts reached all the way to Number 10 Downing Street.

PM Boris Johnson was so impressed by Mr Wheatley's actions and the 'hero' nurses from the Meanwood Neighbourhood Team that he set up an online call to speak with them and find out more.

During the call, Mr Wheatley told the PM he had known the team for the past six years and how much he valued their dedication and wanted to show his gratitude as a morale boost during the pandemic, so decided to pay for special medals for them.

Mr Johnson also spoke to some of the nursing team about how they had been coping during the pandemic, and heard how they were caring for patients in their own homes and taking extra precautions to keep themselves and the patients safe.

A Number 10 spokesman said: "The Prime Minister was delighted to hear the story behind Mr Wheatley’s medals, and wanted to thank him for such a marvellous gesture. He also spent time talking with NHS nurses to hear first-hand about their experiences of delivering vital healthcare during the coronavirus pandemic.”

Leeds Community Healthcare (LCH)’s Director of Nursing and Allied Professionals, Steph Lawrence, who was on the call alongside the nurses, said: “Being asked to set up a call with Mr Wheatley and his nursing team came as a huge surprise and we were grateful to the Prime Minister for showing an interest in the story and taking time to listen to the experiences of a team of dedicated nurses whose work is often overshadowed by the focus on hospital staff. It was a huge boost for us. ”

Mr Wheatley previously told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "The nurses at Meanwood Neighbourhood Team are heroes, particularly for how they have worked during the pandemic, to make sure people like me get the care they need.

"I have known the team for six years as they nursed my wife before she passed away and they've nursed me too every since.

"I believe the NHS should get the George Cross for its work during Covid but I wanted to show my own appreciation for my team."

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Thank you

Laura Collins