A consultant at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has been named 'Clinician of the Year' at the National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards.

Dr Sanjeev Nayak, a consultant interventional neuroradiologist, received the award in recognition of his work at Royal Stoke University Hospital's Stroke Thrombectomy Service.

The service provides emergency treatment for patients who have suffered a major stroke.

Dr Nayak said: "I am delighted and deeply honoured to have been named Clinician of the Year 2026 at the National B.A.M.E Health & Care Awards.

"This award celebrates outstanding clinical practice and patient outcomes and it is particularly meaningful to receive this recognition in a category sponsored by the General Medical Council.

"I see this as a reflection of the incredible team at UHNM and the multidisciplinary teams I have had the privilege of working alongside, and above all the patients who place their trust in us every day."

"It's a proud moment and an inspiration to keep advancing standards of patient care," Dr Nayak added.

The trust explained that Royal Stoke was one of the first hospitals in the UK to establish a dedicated 24/7 stroke thrombectomy service giving patients across Staffordshire access to the "potentially life-saving procedure" around the clock.

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A spokesperson for UHNM said: "More than 250 patients benefited from mechanical thrombectomy at UHNM last year, one of the highest rates in the country.

"While around 10 per cent of stroke patients nationally are eligible for thrombectomy, around 15 per cent of stroke patients at UHNM receive the treatment.

"The service has also pioneered the use of artificial intelligence to help clinicians assess brain scans, identify blood clots and speed up access to treatment."

This award is the latest national recognition for UHNM's stroke thrombectomy and interventional neuroradiology teams.

Last year the teams won all three categories they were shortlisted for at the HSJ Digital Awards.

The judges recognised their innovative use of artificial intelligence to improve outcomes for stroke patients.

NHS England's former Medical Director, Professor Sir Stephen Powis, has previously described the service as "the best service in the country".