Patient’s family makes surprise return to Royal Derby Hospital to recognise 'magnificent' Stroke consultant
A former patient and his family shared their gratitude to a "magnificent" UHDB stroke consultant as they were reunited earlier this month, praising the outstanding and compassionate care that he delivered to three members of the same family within 15 months.
Dr Narendra Karavadara – affectionately known to patients and colleagues as “Dr K” – is a Stroke consultant based at Royal Derby Hospital who delivered care to Derbyshire man John Birds and two of his brothers, supporting them through life-changing strokes and complex recovery journeys.
While some members of the family are still recovering, John was able to surprise Dr K alongside his wife Fiona and daughter Claire Birds-Whittick (a Senior Clinical Educator at UHDB) at Ward 410 at the hospital site, expressing his gratitude for the care the family received.
They were joined by Executive Chief People Officer Amanda Rawlings, who presented Dr K with a Patient Hero Making a Difference Award, after reading a letter sent by Claire which shared her family's story and recognised the pivotal role Dr K played in their recovery.
Claire said Dr K’s compassion, expertise and reassurance helped her family navigate an incredibly difficult period: “Over the last year, Dr K has delivered truly extraordinary care to my father, his brothers, and our entire family have felt so supported, informed, and truly cared for.
“My uncle was admitted over the Christmas and New Year holiday period following a severe stroke. Of course, this was an incredibly difficult time - but knowing he was in the safe hands of Dr K gave us so much reassurance - we knew his compassionate care, his extensive knowledge, and his sense of humour would once again support both my uncle and the entire family through what is a very challenging recovery journey."
She explained that the same support was clear when her father was admitted with a brainstem stroke in 2024: “My father had a strong feeling of trust in Dr Karavadara and was incredibly thankful for the kindness and attentiveness he showed throughout his hospital stay and ongoing outpatient care.”
John agreed, describing Dr K’s approach as deeply personal and reassuring.
“He treated me with such respect and passion. You could tell he genuinely cared,” he said.
“Every time he came onto the ward he would come over, really listen, hold my hand, and talk to me. It was unbelievable.”
Asked to describe his doctor in a single word, John said simply: “Magnificent.”
Dr K said he was touched by the surprise visit from John and his family, and following the news spreading around the area that the well-regarded Dr K had been recognised with a Making a Difference Award, colleagues from across the ward joined the consultant, family, and Amanda Rawlings to give him an impromptu group round of applause!
Having worked at the hospital for around a decade, Dr K explained just how much feedback like this means to healthcare professionals, saying: "As human beings, we often give feedback when we’re unhappy, but when we’re happy we don’t always say so.
“When someone takes the time to share that appreciation, let alone come back to the hospital to thank you, it’s a huge morale boost. Moments like this remind us why we do this work, and why it matters.”
He explained that stroke care requires clinicians to spend time understanding patients as people as well as treating the medical condition: “If someone has a stroke, communication or understanding can be affected, so you have to take time with them and their families.
“To provide truly holistic care, you need to know the whole person, not just the illness.”
Presenting the award, Amanda said the family’s experience showed the profound difference compassionate care can make.
“John and his family’s story speaks for itself,” she said.
“Dr K is an exceptional clinician who combines his expertise with genuine warmth, compassion, and humanity. The trust and reassurance he gave several members of this family during such a frightening time is exactly what exceptional care looks like, and what our Making a Difference Awards are designed to recognise. Thank you for all that you do, Dr K.”
