THE winners of the 2021 Worcestershire Health & Social Awards will soon be announced.

We launched the awards - in conjunction with the University of Worcester - earlier this year to shine a light on the fantastic work this sector has done throughout the pandemic and every other day to care for us all.

The winner will be announced in a celebrity-backed virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, May 27 - to be broadcast on Facebook.

Today we are meeting the three finalists in the GP Practice of the Year category, sponsored by Sanctuary Care.

Upton Surgery

UPTON Surgery, picked out by many people as deserving recognition in our Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards, has been one of those chosen to be a finalist in the GP Practice category.

The surgery received a number of nominations for the award from patients. Among the comments was that the surgery has a “remarkable team of doctors, nurses, dispensary staff and administration staff” who work “tirelessly to support/serve Upton”.

Another patient said “Upton surgery in my experience has been nothing but golden. From the reception staff to the doctors and nurses and nurse practitioners”, while another added: “I think this practice should win the award as it has adapted to the new ways of working”.

Ben Kent, practise manager of the surgery, said: “It’s been an incredibly tough and demanding year for the team, so feedback like this from our patients really does mean a huge amount to us. Just to be nominated I know will make the staff feel appreciated.”

Wolverley Surgery

THE practice manager of Wolverley Surgery, Lisa Bremner, said staff were shocked when they learned they had been chosen as a finalist in the GP Practice of the Year category.

Among their nominations one patient said: “The fact they are going above and beyond is very much recognised by patients and the community - it gives out an incredible ‘feel good’ feeling and reassuring feeling in myself and in the community.”

The manager of the Kidderminster surgery said: “We were overwhelmed people had gone out and took the time to even nominate us, because we are just doing our job. Patients have been at the forefront of staff’s minds this past year.

"They come first and we need to do what they need from us. We have made sure we looked after them.

"All staff have been involved in the vaccination programme. It has meant working extra in the week, working weekends, making sure we get the vaccine out to the people who need it. We are very humbled by being chosen.”

Barn Close Surgery

ANOTHER in the running for the GP Practice of the Year award is Barn Close Surgery.

A patient who nominated the Broadway surgery said: “They are the most caring group of people I have ever met.

"Nothing is ever too much trouble and everyone you meet is friendly and supportive. They know how to put you at your ease and you never feel rushed.”

While another patient who nominated the surgery added: “All the GPs, nurses and staff go above and beyond and always have. I have never had a bad word to say about the surgery.

“When the receptionist answers the phone they are friendly, nurses are also caring and friendly.”

Dr Neil Townshend, senior partner of the practice, said the nominations they had: “Reflects the dedication and commitment of our staff who all aim to deliver the best possible service, even in these difficult times.

"I’d praise our staff for completely changing the way they work and how they have coped with everything over the last year.”