If any practice managers have been feeling less than chirpy of late, it would not be too much of a surprise. As we report this issue, the GP Patient Survey has led to despondency, with many managers feeling that the results misrepresent not only the high-quality of service they offer but also the high level of appreciation shown by most visitors to their practice.
Lest we forget, the results of the GP Patient Survey showed that more than nine in 10 (91%) of patients are satisfied with the overall care they receive at their GP practice, with an overwhelming 94% of respondents saying they find their reception team to be helpful.(1)
Yet any justified feeling of achievement from practice teams may have been knocked by recent press reports of astronomical GP fees, not to mention the minor matter of swine flu. And as we’ve seen this issue, cramped and confined surgery premises don’t help matters.
In the face of such adversity, it’s more important than ever to stress the positives and celebrate the hard work of practice managers and their teams across the UK. The Management in Practice Awards were designed with this purpose in mind, and this year we have once again been privileged to receive entries revealing how so many of you are making a real difference in your communities by going that extra mile to deliver high-quality patient services.
The deadline for 2009 MiP Award entries has now closed, and we are in the process of interviewing and selecting the most outstanding projects. The expert panel of judges – comprising specialists, consultants and leading primary care experts – have been overwhelmed by the quality and standard of the 2009 entries.
Be positive
So this year more than ever, let’s celebrate the achievements of general practice at the winners’ awards ceremony that takes place as part of the Birmingham Management in Practice Event on 6 October 2009, at the NEC. All delegates are welcome to attend the awards ceremony, regardless of whether you entered or were shortlisted. The ceremony is designed to provide a platform to reward excellence in primary care practice management and recognise the individuals and teams responsible for showcasing innovation in the primary care setting.
The winner of each award category, together with a brief description of their project and their achievements, will be announced.
The six categories are:
- Training and HR.
- Customer Care.
- Design and Facilities.
- IM&T.
- Business Management.
- Practice of the Year.
The winner of each award will receive £250. The top three projects will also be presented with a certificate of achievement.
Information-sharing
The MiP Awards have also been designed to share examples of good practice that may benefit other managers and teams. For this reason, the top nominees will be given the opportunity to showcase their work in Management in Practice magazine as well as in online articles – the winners will also be invited to talk about their work at a future Management in Practice Event of their choice. So even if you can’t attend the Birmingham Event, watch out for future articles and sessions!
For more information on these awards, click here.
Reference
1. See www.managementinpractice.com/article_17396
[[Awards_18]]
