GP Practice of the Year finalists revealed

Abbey Meads GP Practice

A spokesman said: “The staff of Moredon and Abbeymeads Surgery are delighted and honoured to have been selected as a finalist for their work during the pandemic. The staff have been committed and hardworking supporting the patients and each other during these challenging times and our nursing team worked tirelessly throughout the flu and Covid vaccination season.”

The surgeries were nominated by Kate Myrie, who said: “Since GWH NHS Foundation Trust took over these practices in 2019, the staff have worked so hard to make improvements for the experience of patients. This includes an increase in nursing staff in both practices to provide more practice nurses and health care support, the appointment of a team of practice-based pharmacists, an increase in on-the day appointments and advance appointments and the introduction of video and telephone consultations during the pandemic.

“The team have also reduced telephone call waiting times. Twelve months ago the wait time was over 75 minutes, this is now down to an average of 10-14 minutes. The practices have employed and increased the number of GPs and have also increased management support and the wider support of a large organisation which brings stability, investment, training and a long-term view. This has led to a noticeable improvement in staff morale.

“Dr Amit Srivastava, Dr Arpit Srivastava, Dr Gautamm Pattni and Lead Nurse Michelle Weller have done amazing work, but it really has been a team effort.”

Merchiston Surgery, Swindon

Moredeon GP Surgery

The surgery was nominated by Emma Hunter, who said: “Dr Adams really really cares about patients she has looked after me since 2010 with my mental health. On first lockdown, I was extremely unwell and my weight plummeted to 5.5st.

“Dr Adams rang me every week to see how I was - there was no time limit on the phone calls and since I have been her patient there has been no time limit to my appointments at the surgery. She has always gone far and above beyond what is now allocated for GP time. She is an absolute earthly angel and had it not been for her on numerous occasions over the years I would not have been here today to nominate her. She is kindness and compassion personified and an absolute credit to our NHS and I can’t thank her enough.”

Rowden Surgery, Chippenham

Rowden Surgery in Chippenham

Franki Halliwell, the surgery’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Lead, said: “We’re so excited to hear we’ve been shortlisted! The team at Rowden has worked so hard to make sure we’re looking after our patients (and each other!) and it’s so heartwarming to see the teams hard work be recognised!

“Each person in our team brings essential and unique skills to the practice and we wouldn’t be nearly effective as we are without the hard work and dedication of ‘Team Rowden’ and we cannot thank our entire Rowden Family enough. We have learned a lot over this year and made some fantastic positive changes and want to continue improving and learning together and it is wonderful to see the support of so many of our colleagues and our patients as we grow together. The recognition of being shortlisted is a lovely and very much needed pick me up after a tough year and we’re very proud and very thankful!”

The surgery was nominated by Lynn Atwell, who said: “I have been a patient at this surgery for over 55 years and in all that time they have been amazing in their care, friendliness and professionalism. This has never been more evident in the last year. They have gone way beyond what I would have expected of a surgery. All the staff are amazing and they have gone out of their way to function perfectly despite the limitations the virus put on them.

“They acted immediately to safeguard their patients and have been leading the way with rolling out the vaccine to as many people as possible as quickly as possible. I was lucky enough to have mine last week and was struck by how efficiently, safely and effectively they were processing people through their surgery. I have always been grateful to be a patient at Rowden, but never more so than now.”