Paul Stockton is a Whiston Consultant who holds the NHS close to his heart.
The respiratory expert was born in the old Whiston hospital and is now a key member of staff at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust in its newer Whiston site. He has spent the vast majority of his working life in the area.
As well as being a vital member of the hospital medical team he is also well known for his role as matchday doctor at St Helens Rugby League Club, a position he has held for over seven years.
Paul was a leading force in the local response to Covid and even appeared on TV show Good Morning Britain to describe the realities of life in the NHS at such a challenging time for everyone.
He said: “The Covid pandemic was scary for everyone, but it showed the NHS in its true light.
“Even though we didn’t fully know what Covid was at first, everyone came together to do what they do best which was help those in need.
“It was a strange time for everyone. We sort of knew it was coming as it spread across the country, but we didn’t fully know what to expect. It was incredibly tough for everyone and extremely emotional, but the teamwork was absolutely inspirational and I will never forget how the NHS came together. I have always been a great admirer of everyone who works in the NHS but this took that admiration to a whole new level and it should never be forgotten.’’
After being born in the area Paul says he is “proud’’ to be able to work in the community he knows so well.
He said: “I was born in the old hospital and spent most of my training here too before becoming a consultant. There was a brief spell away for a rotation that all doctors have to do but there was never any doubt in my mind that I wanted to work here and I think it is a great Trust to work for.’’
Away from the Trust Paul has a long-standing role with the Saints that he also loves, as it matches his skills with the sport and team he supports.
Said Paul: “The Saints have also been a massive part of my life. Another one of the reasons I wanted to work at Whiston is that one of my mentors worked for Widnes while I was training and I wanted to learn from him in that area too. It was great to follow him into that role before joining St Helens and I have been so lucky to witness their success so closely.’’
It is a link he used to promote more community working during Covid and hopefully beyond.
He added: “During the pandemic the Trust worked with St Helens to run its testing programme for players and staff and that helped forge great links between the club and the Trust. As time went on the club became a testing hub for the community which was a great thing to happen and really helped the public, and I can see us building on that partnership over the next few years.’’