A NIGHT porter at Royal Blackburn Hospital has received global recognition in a new book putting spotlight on unsung heroes who are improving the lives of others.

Healthcare Heroes, commissioned by Manchester-based Havas Lynx, features 57-year-old John Jackson from Oswaldtwistle who has been based at the hospital for 15 years.

Last year he scooped the Non-Clinical Worker of the Year award at the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust STAR Awards and was also shortlisted for a national prize at the Kate Granger Compassionate Care Awards.

In the book he is described as one of the ‘hidden heroes in healthcare’ for his ‘friendly nature’ as he greets everyone he passes with a ‘big smile’.

Mr Jackson, who has also been involved in the hospitals’ bereavement committee, said: “Working at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital as a night porter has flown by. I love it. To me, it’s not a job.

“I know it sounds cliche but the satisfaction and reward I take from every single shift is unbelievable.

“Whenever I’m moving someone, I’ll always talk to them straight away, introducing myself and letting them know what’s going on, because it’s those first ten seconds that are the most important.

“It’s the small gestures which really count. A friendly smile and a reassuring word can really help put them at ease as they enter the unfamiliar, clinical surroundings of a busy hospital.”

Alongside Mr Jackson, Healthcare Heroes features Marc Koska, who developed a syringe which saved more than nine million lives by preventing the spread of blood-borne infections.

The book was officially launched at a private exhibition at the British Medical Association in London.

An initial print run of 2,000 books was planned but due to unprecedented demand a further run is anticipated.

David Hunt, Havas Lynx chief executive, said: “As one of the leading agencies in the world focused solely on healthcare, we are privileged to harness our creativity to help improve patient’s lives.

“The book, in particular, looks and feels like a glossy ‘lifestyle’ publication – the sort of book you expect to showcase models, celebrities and photographers."

Visit www.healthcare-heroes.com.