Hackney doctors’ surgery shines at National GP Awards for third year running

A Dalston doctors’ surgery has made it a hat-trick of healthy showings at the annual National GP Awards.

Administration staff at Richmond Road Medical Centre made the final shortlist for Reception Team of the Year at a ceremony at the Park Plaza Westminster on 29 November.

Last year, Richmond Road partner Dr Gopal Mehta was highly commended in the GP of the Year award, and in 2017, the surgery beat hundreds of entrants to win Practice of the Year.

But it’s the admin team in the spotlight this time around after a year in which it successfully upheld a guarantee to get patients an appointment within 48 hours of them contacting the surgery.

It also created an ‘Administrators Online’ service which patients can use to book a telephone call from a member of staff to discuss anything from general queries to appointments to test results.

Alongside its work in launching and running three social media avenues for the surgery, administrators have been instrumental in Richmond Road’s successful ‘Healthy Mind’ showcase, now in its third year.

The team has also championed 8am to 8pm opening hours to improve access for patients.

Sham Aziz, senior administrator, said: “We all aim for the best outcomes for our patients. We are often referred to the as the ‘Richmond Road Family’, and this is exactly how we all function, working together to achieve the best together. We are all really touched by this recognition, thank you!”

Dr Mehta added: “I am exceptionally proud of our administrative team for being shortlisted for this award out of hundreds of practices from across the country.

“Their true commitment to the delivery of high-quality patient care has ensured that we have been able to offer a first-class service to our patients, which is welcoming, caring, efficient and safe.”

He added: “With rising pressures placed on the NHS today, it’s not easy being on the frontline. We are incredibly thankful for the work they do.”