A TOP surgeon has been named as the best hospital employee of the year in Redbridge.

Aman Bhargava, who works in Ilford's King George Hospital, was given the accolade by Barking, Havering and Redbridge Hospitals NHS Trust.

Mr Bhargava scooped the prize after a glowing nomination from Stuart Wright – the son of one of his patients.

Mr Wright said: “Mr Bhargava is without doubt one of the most talented surgeons in the UK. Twice he saved my mother’s life with his expert surgical skill when she has been so desperately ill we thought she would not survive.

“He is outstandingly professional and shows unique compassion and empathy at a very difficult and upsetting time.”

The trust runs an employee of the month scheme, with 12 members of staff winning a prize for outstanding service throughout the year, before going head-to-head in the employee of the year final.

Mr Bhargava, a consultant surgeon, received a certificate and vouchers from chief executive John Goulston and acting chairman Barbara Liggins at a special ceremony held at Queen’s Hospital in Romford.