Frank celebrates his 100th birthday after recovering from a heart attack

Frank Stevenson opening his birthday cards

Frank Stevenson celebrated his one hundredth birthday at the Northern General Hospital where his life was saved after suffering a heart attack.

Frank, who worked as a Barber and an Entertainer in his younger years, opened his congratulatory letter from the Queen yesterday (20th March 2012) at the hospital’s specialist Cardiology Centre where he is recovering.

Frank is happily telling stories from his long life to fellow patients after he underwent a Primary Angioplasty on the 10th March. The operation involved using a thin tube (catheter) to unblock coronary arteries and then small metal stents being put in place to keep the artery open. The carefully planned service operates 365 days a year, 24 hours a day and treats patients across the whole of South Yorkshire.

Hospital staff organised a party for Frank, his family and other patients in the ward’s day room to celebrate Frank’s milestone birthday.

Frank, who is from Chesterfield, and will be home in the next few weeks, said: “Getting old can be both happy and sad but my advice is to always be nice to people and you will get the most out of life. I was surprised to receive my letter and birthday card from the Queen whilst in hospital but it was lovely. I have been treated with great care in the hospital and the nurses are wonderful.”

Stephen Campbell, Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Director for Cardiac Services at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, said he was very pleased the service had saved Frank’s life to allow him to reach the century mark.

He said: “We are delighted that Frank enjoyed his one hundredth birthday. This is a tremendous example of how important the first class service is at the Northern General Hospital. It is a tribute to the exemplary teamwork of all involved in the programme which includes nurses, radiographers, cardiac technicians and doctors who specialise in angioplasty all of whom are on call 24 hours a day.”


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