There are not many higher compliments in life, but lifesaver is exactly what Lea Bailey deserves according to the woman whose life was in her hands.

Janet Santry nominated Miss Bailey, a specialist wound care nurse at Mayday Hospital, to be our Croydon Champion after she succesfully treated an almost fatal septic wound in Janet’s abdomen.

The infection developed after what was supposed to be a routine hysterectomy but quickly turned into a life or death crisis, which left the patient bedridden for weeks.

Janet said: “I was only meant to be in hospital for a few days and I was there for seven weeks.

“There were a couple of times when the doctors had no hope for me.”

Her abdominal wound was so big Miss Bailey claims a whole human fist could have fit inside – it measured 10cm by 5cm and was 5cm deep.

It was healed using VAC therapy, a highly complicated procedure which stimulates the patient’s skins cells to make wounds heal faster.

In the end Janet’s wound healed in almost half the time it otherwise would have under normal care.

Unable to eschew her professional modesty, Miss Bailey maintained she was only doing her job, but was nevertheless humbled by the accolade.

She said: “I am very surprised and obviously very honoured.

“It’s nice to get some recognition for doing your job well and making a difference to somebody.”

Since the specialist unit was launched in May last year, modern procedures such as the one that saved Janet’s life have led to dramatic improvements in patient care.

The advances also provide much-needed cost savings for strained budgets because patients can be released from hospital in less time.

But as much as the technology and standard of care has improved, Lea recognises that the fundamental relationship between the nurse and the patient remains as crucial as ever.

She said: “Some patients you hit it off with straight away – but in general you only get back what you are prepared to put in.”

“With Janet it was very much an instant liking – I will definitely ring her up in a year’s time to make sure everything’s alright.”

So what is the secret of Miss Bailey’s success?

According to a very grateful Janet: “She is so friendly with everyone and they all seem to love her. She just makes you feel at ease.

“What she did for me was really fantastic.”