Stockport nurse named NHS Christmas Hero for decade of care at The Wellspring

A Stockport nurse has been named an NHS Greater Manchester Christmas Hero for her outstanding care of people experiencing homelessness.

Sheilagh Armstrong, an Advanced Nurse Practitioner with Mastercall, an NHS urgent care provider, has spent the past ten years working three days a week at The Wellspring in Stockport, providing walk-in healthcare for anyone who needs it.

From treating wounds and infections to supporting people with a range of significant physical and mental health, she helps prevent unnecessary A&E visits while making sure vulnerable residents are seen and supported.

Sheilagh goes beyond traditional nursing, building trust with people who often feel excluded from services. She speaks up for them at appointments, helps them navigate housing and benefits, manages ongoing and complex care needs, and works closely with social care, to make sure no one falls through the gaps.

Dr Manisha Kumar, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Greater Manchester, said:

“Sheilagh is a shining example of what it means to be a Christmas Hero. Her compassion and commitment bring hope to people who often feel forgotten, and Stockport is incredibly lucky to have her.”

Christmas can be an especially difficult time for people without a safe home, with loneliness, painful memories, and reduced access to services. While many services scale back over the holidays, The Wellspring remains open 365 days a year. This Christmas, around 100 people will enjoy a full Christmas dinner and gifts, with meals also delivered to those in temporary accommodation.