10:37am Wednesday 2nd July 2008
By Sarah Goldthorpe
THIS Saturday marks the 60th anniversary of the NHS.
To mark this special occasion we are featuring stories about people and organisations that reflect a diamond' health service.
Do you know a nurse or doctor who works beyond the call of duty?
Has someone saved your life?
Do you just want to tell us how brilliant Dorset's health service is?
Whatever your story, call reporter Sarah Goldthorpe on 01305 756032.
We will feature your stories every day this week.
A HEART attack sufferer has praised a nurse for brightening up his hospital visits.
Colin Dallow, 66, of Dumbarton Road in Wyke Regis described nurse Laura Starr as an angel' and a true professional.
He said: "She's the best nurse I have ever come across in the 10 years I have been having heart problems.
"You never look forward to going to hospital, but now I look forward to it because I know Laura is going to be there. She's an absolute angel."
Mrs Starr works in the cardiology unit of Dorset County Hospital.
Mr Dallow met her three months ago when he visited the hospital to have a stent fitted. He has also had two triple heart bypasses.
Mr Dallow said: "For some nurses it is just a job and they do it, but Laura seems to want you to be OK and have no worries. She obviously enjoys it and she knows what she's doing.
"After my operation she came to see if I had any problems.
"She puts you at ease straight away."
Mr Dallow praised Mrs Starr's colleagues at the hospital in Dorchester.
He said: "The whole team is great.
"It's like a conveyor belt at the hospital but these girls will absolutely look after you.
"If you took their uniforms off you would find little wings on all their backs."
Mrs Starr has worked at Dorset County Hospital for 10 months. She said it was great to be given recognition for her work. She said: "It's really nice to think that it's a patient who has put me forward for something like this.
"It makes you think you have done a good job and makes it all worthwhile."
Mrs Starr lives at Blandford Camp with her husband.
She said: "I really love my job. The team I work with is fantastic and everyone really gets on."
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