It's so important that good performance in the NHS gets the recognition it deserves.
That's why in 2018 the NHS Parliamentary Awards were launched. They allow MPs to nominate services in their local area for the outstanding contribution of staff, volunteers and others working in the health and care sector.
You can nominate organisations from one of ten categories, and this year it was a no-brainer to nominate Dr Gupta and the team at Faversham Medical Practice in the Excellence in Primary Care and Community Care category.
As a Health Minister I’m involved with community care projects all over the country, and Faversham Medical Practice are one of the most innovative I’ve seen.
They're working in partnership with the local hospital trust, GP practices, specialist doctors, voluntary sector and community groups, to bring specialist care closer to home for patients around Faversham.
In 2023, they started providing a full range of community eye services including cataract surgery, Wet AMD injections and general clinics in the community. Previously all the patients needing eye surgery, injections or appointments had to go to hospitals or services further away for their care.
The Practice also provides a range of other services including X-ray, Urgent Treatment Centre, and Outpatient clinics for specialities like orthopaedics, colorectal surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology and gastroenterology.
Patients want care which is easy to access and closer to home, and that’s what our NHS reforms are working to deliver.
The Practice is a shining light of this approach I'm delighted to nominate them for this award.
