Retired Freeman Hospital surgeon Mr Asif Hassan, who has saved thousands of lives over a career spanning more than three decades, is to receive the Mirror Pride of Britain lifetime achievement award this week. The award will be presented on Monday evening at a ceremony held by ChronicleLive's sister title, ahead of a Thursday broadcast on ITV.
Mr Hassan, who retired earlier this year, has led more than 3,000 procedures and carried out a total of more than 4,000. His work helped establish the Freeman as a leading global centre for children's heart surgery.
A career of pioneering surgery
Mr Hassan was appointed a consultant at the Freeman in 1995 and went on to lead the hospital's paediatric transplant programme. His work included pioneering transplantation and the implementation of lifesaving mechanical heart support devices, such as the Berlin Heart, which have kept many young people alive long enough to receive a new heart.
He has also trained a "generation of surgeons" now working around the world, helped run surgical "camps" overseas through charities, and helped provide treatment for children in deprived areas.
Patients and families remember
Mr Hassan operated on youngsters such as Seb Hollingsworth, whose story reached thousands, including Marvel actor Ryan Reynolds. Seb was just weeks old the first time he had surgery after being born with a condition called tetralogy of fallot (ToF). He then had a second open-heart surgery under Mr Hassan's care at the age of 13, which featured on the Channel 4 Geordie Hospital TV show.
Mr Hassan also cared for fellow Pride of Britain winners Max Johnson and Cissy Adamou. Max was on a heart transplant waiting list for seven months before a donor was found. The donor was Keira Ball, a youngster who died in a traffic collision. Max's campaigning and the selflessness of Keira's family led to what is now called Max and Keira's Law, which saw organ donation become an opt-out system.
Recognition from colleagues
Sir James Mackey, the current NHS England chief executive, said: "Asif has dedicated his life's work to transforming the lives of children and their families, and I couldn't think of a more worthy winner for this award. Not only has he helped save thousands of lives, but he has championed the work of others, pioneered a world-leading paediatric transplant service, and put Newcastle Hospitals firmly on the map."
Rob Harrison, acting chief executive at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "This award is a fitting recognition of an extraordinary career and an exceptional individual. Asif's contribution to children's heart surgery and transplantation has been nothing short of remarkable."
Mr Hassan said: "I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award. Caring for children with heart conditions and supporting their families has been a privilege throughout my career. Any success I have achieved has only been possible because of the incredible teams I have worked alongside at the Freeman Hospital over many years. Seeing children go on to live full and happy lives has always been the greatest reward."
For Seb's mum Nadine, Mr Hassan made an incredible impact on her family. She said: "Those early months were incredibly frightening, but Asif always had such a calm and reassuring presence. He explained everything clearly and gave us complete confidence that Seb was in the best possible hands. Asif treated him like a young adult. He took the time to explain everything honestly, answered all his questions and involved him in conversations about his care. He has had a huge impact on our family and we will always be grateful for everything he has done."
To find out more, or confirm your support for organ donation, visit organdonation.nhs.uk, call 0300 123 23 23 or use the NHS app. It is important to tell loved ones about your decision, as while the system is now "opt-out", it is common for families to overrule a loved one's decision.
