A HAMPSHIRE man who spent a year having hospital tests was thrilled to find a doctor who knew immediately what was wrong with him.

Within one consultation Nigel Evans was being told what was causing his illness and how they were going to beat it, to his relief and that of his family.

Now the 60-year-old, who is in remission from oesophageal cancer, wants to thank his consultant by nominating him for the Daily Echo’s Hospital Heroes Award.

Mr Evans has nominated Southampton General Hospital’s oesophageal surgeon Tim Underwood because of his quick professionalism and honesty when it came to explaining his diagnosis.

Mr Evans, who had chemo and radiotherapy plus surgery to remove two tumours, said: “I had spent a year having various tests trying to find out what was wrong but as soon as I saw Mr Underwood he knew within a few minutes and got the ball rolling so quickly. The best way to beat the disease I had is to catch it early and thanks to him, we caught it in time so that I could beat it.”

Daily Echo readers can nominate anyone employed by the trust which runs Southampton General Hospital, the Princess Anne Hospital and Countess Mountbatten House, as well as some services at the Royal South Hants Hospital.

Mr Underwood said: “I am amazed to get this nomination. It is unexpected. It is a reflection on the team because I cannot function without the other members of the team and when I say team that includes the relatives of the patients. “I am quite a direct and honest person and most of the people I treat like that approach.

Dealing with these sorts of diseases, where the stakes are really high, it is important for the patient to understand what they are up against.”

Nominations will be open until January 31 and will be featured in the Daily Echo. Nominations must refer to treatment or care which took place in 2013.

The winner of the Daily Echo Hospital Hero award will be presented with their award at a ceremony in March. That is when hospital bosses will also give out their own hospital awards.

• To nominate call Melanie Adams on 023 8042 4500 or email melanie.adams@dailyecho.co.uk.