A Shrewsbury GP surgery has been highly commended in a national award that celebrates the dedication and innovation shown by practices in challenging times.
Marden Medical Practice in Sutton Road, went up against practices in London and Devon in the final of the Caradoc GP Practice of the Year 2015.
Sponsored by global company Henry Schein Medical and Shropshire-based Fluid Network Solutions the national competition is open to all GP practices across the UK.
The Shrewsbury practice was shortlisted in the final three alongside the West Green Surgery in Haringey, London, and Litchdon Medical Centre in Barnstaple, Devon. The title was taken by the West Green Surgery but judges highly praised the two remaining finalists – awarding them highly commended.
Peter Masters, business manager of Caradoc Medical Services, said: “We are always amazed by the things practices have managed to achieve, or are working to achieve.
“Marden Medical Practice’s Patient Participation Group should be recognised for the work it has done which has made a huge difference to the GP Practice and the experience of patients.
“The achievements of the group are vast and the effect of groups such as this on a GP practice should not be underestimated – Marden are a perfect example of how to do it well.”
Joy Baker, managing partner at Marden Medical Practice, said the patients had been informed about the commendation and were extremely pleased.
“We were delighted to be able to be awarded anything that reflects the work of the patient group,” she said. “The growing group is a very very important element of the practice and is extremely supportive.
“Les Wilkinson, the chair of the group, is a very special man and without his leadership the group wouldn’t have developed into what it is today.
“They support carers of patients with dementia with regular meetings, they lead a bereavement group and they are involved with COCO, the project for care in the community.”
Members of the group also support flu clinics, meet patients, hand out information and host open evenings, coffee mornings and other events to bring people together and obtain patient feedback. The group has also funded blood pressure monitors for the practice.
“GP practices face significant challenges, from an ageing population to unprecedented levels of demand, patient expectation and financial and workforce pressures,” added Mr Masters.
“The GP Practice of the Year Award looks at how these are being tackled, how the patient access and experience is improved, how savings are made and how new ways of working are being used.
“The Marden Patient Participation Group is an innovative way of improving the experience for all.”
For 2015 the award was again sponsored by Henry Schein Medical, who congratulated Marden Medical Practice with a £50 voucher to be spent on medical equipment, and telecoms provider Shropshire-based Fluid Network Solutions, who presented the surgery with a £200.00 for services.
Rob Tolley, of Fluid Network Solutions, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be one of the sponsors of this award.
“The competition every year is always very strong, so I’d like to congratulate the team at Marden Medical Practice for being highly commended – the work they are doing is fantastic and they are thoroughly deserving of recognition.”
Rob Tolley, of sponsors Fluid Network Solutions with Dr Louise Houghton, Joy Baker, managing partner at Marden Medical Practice and Peter Masters, business manager at Caradoc Medical Services.
