HARD-working family doctors deserve to be given a pat on the back by having their GP practices entered in the South Wales Argus Health & Care Awards, says the winner of the ‘Lifetime Achievement’ accolade in 2020.

Dr David Hepburn is urging people across Gwent to show their appreciation for the GPs, district nurses, health workers and others who are the first port of call when it comes to health issues.

He says they’re the unsung heroes of the Coronavirus pandemic and count among the medical professionals who have had a really tough time over the past year and a half.

To nominate a hero of the NHS click here

“I was very happy and felt honoured to have my work recognised at the South Wales Argus 2020 Health & Care Awards; it gave a real boost to both me and my team,” says intensive therapy unit director Dr Hepburn.

“The fact so many people came out and clapped for the NHS and carers last year also meant a lot; we really felt that the public were behind us.

“This year I would urge readers of the Argus to get behind the Health & Care Awards and think about entering their local GPs, who have had a really tough time.

“A lot of people have complained over recent months that they haven’t been able to get appointments, but I know that during this time, GPs have been working their socks off.

“Usually they would see around 15 people a day, but over the past year they’ve been dealing with as many as 60 people over the telephone, via video and face to face. They do a huge amount to stop people going into hospital.

“Over the past year all the attention has been on Intensive Care Units treating the sickest of patients, but GPs were seeing many more people.

“They are real generalists, able to treat lots of things, and they work very hard.

South Wales Argus:
“My message to readers of the Argus is that if they have a great GP practice, community midwife, care home, carer, pharmacy or any other health professional, the Health & Care Awards is a great way to recognise the way they have helped.”

Clark Avenue Surgery in Pontnewydd was the winner of the GP Practice of the Year accolade at the South Wales Argus Health & Care Awards 2020.

Judges were impressed by the way in which it was described as ‘the jewel in the crown’ on account of the way it attends to patients’ needs.

Many of Clark Avenue Surgery’s doctors have been working at the practice for some time, ensuring much-valued continuity, while supporting them is a team of nurses who receive patients cheerfully, along with ‘exemplary’ reception staff who are “welcoming, helpful and caring” to all.

The practice is also a GP Training practice, welcoming GP registrars who spend either six or 12 months at the surgery.

A patient of 40 years standing praised ‘amazing, helpful and friendly’ staff who go above and beyond to help and support patients and each other, while another spoke of how he was ‘always welcomed by somebody that cares’.

David Fulker from the practice said the award was a “great finish” to a difficult and challenging year”.

To nominate a health and social care hero for an award go to www.southwalesargus.co.uk/awards/healthandcareawards