A GP surgery and pharmacy in Scunthorpe have been named as ‘GP Practice of the Year’ and ‘Pharmacy Team of the Year’ at The Lincolnshire Health Awards.

The Birches Medical Practice and Ancora Healthcare Pharmacy were awarded their respective titles at the annual celebration event, which recognises healthcare excellence across Greater Lincolnshire.

The awards were held in partnership with Lincolnshire’s NHS on November 20 at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Lincoln.

The coveted GP Practice of the Year Award recognises a team that has had the largest positive impact on improving patient care in their GP practice.

Judges praised The Birches for its efforts to help homeless people in the town centre of Scunthorpe. The practice has started opening up the shower facilities between 10am and 12pm on weekdays under the supervision of its practice chaplain.

The practice provides shower gel, a toothbrush and a new pair of socks – there are also towels that have been donated by a local charity. The practice then looks to register them if they do not have a GP.

Darryl Southern, Practice Manager at The Birches Medical Practice, said: “We are absolutely delighted to take away this prestigious award. To be named as GP Practice of the Year across the whole of Greater Lincolnshire is a dream come true, and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our wonderful team at The Birches.”

Geoff Day, Director of Primary Care at NHS North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), said: “We were thrilled that two of our GP practices were shortlisted for Practice of the Year. The Birches winning the award is the icing on the cake and we are extremely proud of the vital work they are doing to support the homeless community in Scunthorpe.

“The Awards are a fantastic way of recognising the very best in our local NHS and we are pleased to be a part of it.”

Ancora Healthcare pharmacy in Ashby was praised for its work with vulnerable groups, including the implementation of its needle exchange programme and supervised consumption of medication.

Scunthorpe’s Trent View Medical Practice was shortlisted in the GP Practice of the Year category and was recognised for its efforts to improve end-of-life care for local people.