The patient-nominated award for GP of the Year was won by Dr Joe Tangney, of Glen Mor Practice in Fort William. Dr Paul Coulter, of Lodgehill Clinic, Nairn, was a runner up for the GP of the Year award and Dr James Douglas, of Tweeddale Medical Practice, Fort William, was joint winner of the Alastair Donald Award.
Most people’s experience of the NHS is visiting their local GP practice, with eight out of 10 people visiting their GP or practice nurse at least once a year.
The GP of the Year award allows patients to give their own account of care they have received which they consider to have been of an outstanding quality.
And the aim of the Alastair Donald Award is to recognise outstanding achievement in the areas of service delivery, education, research and wider contribution to society.
NHS Highland’s Associate Medical Director, Dr Ken Proctor, said: “GPs do not actively seek out praise or thanks. So, when it is spontaneously offered in this way, it helps boost morale, not just of the individual nominees, but of their practice colleagues and extended teams.
“There are an increasing number of contractual measurements nowadays against which GP practice teams are judged, but none measure the individual practitioners’ personal qualities. The RCGP Awards do just that and it is reassuring to see a number of nominations highlighting some of our local GPs.
“As the NHS constantly strives to modernise and improve in tight fiscal times, it is heartening to see the personal touch of GP colleagues acknowledged and celebrated.”
Dr Miles Mack, who is Vice Chair of the North of Scotland Faculty of RCGP, was also very impressed with how well the area was represented this year.
He said: “I was delighted that the Highlands and Islands were so well represented in the RCGP Scotland GP awards this year with all nominations coming from our region. Particular congratulations go to Dr Joe Tangney for his award of GP of the Year.
“This backs up our belief that General Practice is thriving in our area and we are lucky to have exceptional doctors who are highly appreciated by their patients and their communities.
“This is especially encouraging as we approach the centenary of the publication of the report of the Highlands and Islands Medical Service Committee or Dewar Report that led to the setting up a planned health service some 30 years ahead of the NHS.
“In a time when the NHS faces unprecedented challenges, it is essential that GPs remain at the heart of medical provision to our communities.”
