Dr Hanumantha (‘Rao’) Gattamaneni, who has worked at The Christie hospital for 44 years, has been shortlisted for an NHS Parliamentary Award.

Jeff Smith MP nominated Dr Gattamaneni for the award to highlight his exceptional contribution to the treatment of childhood cancers and committed service to The Christie.

The NHS Parliamentary Awards were set up for the NHS’ 70^th  Birthday to recognise the massive contribution made by the individuals who work in and alongside the NHS.

This year the NHS Parliamentary Awards is highlighting outstanding examples of care provided from all NHS services, including but not limited to hospitals, community services and local practices.

Jeff was among over 260 MPs in England who put forward nominees who have innovated, impressed and made a real difference to how local health and care services provide care for patients. Dr Gattamaneni is one of 7 nominees to be shortlisted under the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ category. You can view the full shortlist here.

Since 1976, Dr Gattamaneni’s work has revolutionised the treatment of childhood cancers. Specialising in sarcoma, neuro-oncology and late effects, he established the multi-disciplinary team approach in paediatric oncology, delivered clinical trials benefiting patients worldwide, and published in over 50 academic journals. As a passionate advocate of the patient-centred approach, he was ahead of his time in championing dedicated cancer services for young people and instrumental in making The Christie’s Teenage and Young Adult service one of the best in the country.

The shortlisted nominees will next be judged by a national panel made up of senior clinicians, union leaders, former winners and patient representatives, with the overall winners announced at a special awards ceremony held in Parliament on Wednesday 7 July – the week of the NHS’ birthday.

Jeff said:

“I’m pleased to be taking part in the NHS Parliamentary Awards as a way of thanking and recognising those who work so hard for our local NHS and care services.

“In south Manchester we are particularly proud of the work of our fantastic Christie hospital, and I want to thank Dr Gattamaneni for his enormous contribution to young people’s cancer treatment here in the North West, and right across the world. I’m delighted that Dr Gattamaneni has been shortlisted for a Lifetime Achievement Award and wish him the best of luck in the final.”