STAFF at a doctors surgery have been praised for going the extra mile in caring and supporting patients.

Paula McCrossan, practice manager at Unsworth Medical Centre, won the Patient Choice Award at NHS Bury Clinical Commissioning Group's (CCG) Awards for Talent and Achievement, after being nominated by patients at the surgery.

Alongside managing the practice, Ms McCrossan has set up a support group for patients with dementia and their relatives to help keep them engaged and motivated which she runs in her own time.

She said: “I would like to say thanks to the patients who nominated me. My practice is very generous, allowing me time and funding so I can do what I do. I love spending time with our dementia and over 65s group.”

Dr Hannah Lambert who is a GP at the medical centre was also commended in the compassion and care shown towards patients category. She said: “A GP’s role is to understand their patient’s health concerns whilst being respectful of their individual circumstances, so I am very pleasantly surprised to be nominated for the award as I see this as part of my duty."

Dr. Jeff Schryer, chairman of NHS Bury CCG, added: “This is the second year that we have held the Bury Awards for Talent and Achievement. The awards were held just before Christmas and were the perfect opportunity for us to step back and reflect on everything that is good about our local NHS.

“Colleagues within the CCG and our general practices are doing some really great work and our awards provided the opportunity to recognise best practice and celebrate success.

“We are very grateful to all of the patients that took the time to complete a nomination form for the Patient Choice award to recognise colleagues that have gone out of their way, putting patients at the heart of all they do and generally making a difference to local people.”