A hero healthcare assistant saved the life of an elderly patient choking on some food.

It was Danielle Howard’s quick thinking in an emergency situation that saved the patient eating an evening meal at the University Hospital of North Tees in Stockton.

Danielle, a healthcare assistant in the trauma unit, was first on the scene and alerted staff with the emergency buzzer then immediately took to first aid to help the patient, whose skin began to turn blue and was becoming unresponsive.

She began to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre before other members of the team arrived, which brought up the piece of food.

It comes in the week Middlesbrough docker Jordan Lowrie was praised for also using the Heimlich manoeuvre to save a choking young girl on a plane.

Director of nursing and patient safety and quality Julie Lane visited Danielle this week to present her with the latest star of the month award.

Danielle is presented with the award

Trauma nurse practitioner Laura Weatherall, who nominated her, said: “Danielle remained calm, professional and worked with courage to take lead in an emergency situation.

"She worked outside of her comfort zone in a safe manner and acted in the best interests of the patient without hesitation.

"Even when senior support arrived Danielle continued with her manoeuvre, which cleared the patient's air way.

"Danielle has excellent decision making skills but is also aware of her limitations and asks for advice from senior members of the team when needed.

“Danielle is a well-respected member of the team who has a high standard of professionalism and clinical knowledge.

"She has a positive impact on all members of the team and ensures a high standard for patient care and safety."