A search is under way for the best practice in Northern Ireland.

The Royal College of GPs in the region names a practice and a GP annually as the best of the year. It has now appealed to patients to make their nominations.

Regional college chair Dr Laurence Dorman said: “The last couple of years have been difficult for all of our health service, but particularly my colleagues in general practice. Demand for GP services has never been higher, with more than 200,000 people across Northern Ireland contacting their GP practice every week. Coping with this huge level of demand has taken incredible dedication and passion from GPs and practice teams and these Awards are the perfect opportunity to recognise this hard work and show our appreciation.”

“If your local family doctor or wider practice team has gone the extra mile for you and your family in the last year, please do consider taking a few minutes and nominating them for either the GP or Practice of the Year Award. It won’t take long to do, but it will give our colleagues a much-needed boost.”

He said: “It really meant so much that my patients appreciate and value the care I provide for them and their families and took time out of their busy lives to nominate me for this award. In general practice, everything is a team effort so this was a fantastic lift for me and the excellent practice team in Banbridge GP surgery.”