A NURSE from Romania has been recognised after going above and beyond to help a North-East patient from his own homeland.

Alexandru Andrei, a nurse at the University Hospital of North Tees, offered support to the patient and his wife, who had been living in Teesside.

This included helping them overcome a language barrier and understand all parts of the care and treatment.

He made every effort to communicate with the patient and his wife and took a genuine interest in the patient’s care pathway from admission to discharge.

After a prolonged stay in hospital for palliative reasons, Mr Andrei came in on his day off and picked the gentleman up from the ward with his wife and helped him in starting his car journey back to Romania.

With Mr Andrei's help, they succeeded in making a very difficult journey for a poorly gentleman much easier giving the patient a well informed choice about his care decisions.

The nurse has now been recognised with the latest Star of the Month award.

Ward matron Jane Corbey, who nominated him, said: “Alex demonstrated a degree of empathy and compassion that was priceless. He genuinely wanted to do everything he could to help and support our gentleman and his wife.

“With a long flightless journey back to Romania Alex supported their discharge in a way to ensure minimal disruption through the border system across Europe.

“Palliative care options were also discussed with regards to ongoing care decisions which ensured the patient was empowered by any decisions made with a significant language barrier.

“Nothing is too much trouble to Alex and to dedicate his own time off to help others shows how dedicated he is to nursing by helping others in and out of the workplace.

“Alex’s interventions have left the team very humbled by his actions and hope other staff can use his example to help other patients.”

Mr Andrei has also received praise from other patients in North Tees who he has looked after in recent weeks.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: "I love Alex. He is a great caring loving addition to North Tees.

"He looked after me during a recent stay on the gastro ward. I can not praise him enough.

"North Tees are lucky to have him. Nothing is a bother to this young man. His professionalism is outstanding."

Another former patient said: "Alex always goes above and beyond for everyone, patients and staff alike.

"A great nurse who thoroughly deserves this recognition, well done Alex."