Ela Chakkarapani was runner-up in the University Hospitals Bristol & Weston NHS Foundation Trust, 2025 Women's and Children's Division Staff Awards scheme for the category "Supportive". There were 250 nominations from staff, patients and families. He was chosen by a multidisciplinary panel including a patient representative and a member of the Grand Appeal team.
A part of the quote from the family, who nominated him:
"Without Dr Chakkarapani's persistent interest, advice and "fresh eyes," we may have still been unaware of his tumour, as his examination was interpreted as suggesting a lower motor neurone lesion. Although we respect that Dr Chakkarapani has academic time to run a clinic, he isn't funded to offer advice; instigate and attend of meetings; or take such a keen interest in how the HIE children going through St Michaels do beyond the neonatal period. We and friends we made on NICU, have so often said how lucky we are to have Dr Chakkarapani in our corner. He goes above and beyond to support the families he interacts with and we whole heartedly nominate him for an award."