A nurse in West Lancashire has achieved more national recognition for innovative clinics established at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maggi Bradley, Practice Nurse at Aughton Surgery, received Practice Nurse of the Year at the 13^th Annual General Practice Awards for her work on Video Group Clinics (VGCs).

VGCs ensured patients with chronic health conditions could receive the same high-quality care and peer support without meeting face-to-face, a model which has since been adapted for use by nurses up and down the country.

The first beneficiaries of the groups included cancer patients and it has since been expanded to include others with long-term chronic conditions, such as patients with diabetes.

The further accolade comes just weeks after Bradley’s team were nominated at the Nursing Times Awards as just one of two practice-based nominees in the entire awards.

Commenting on her victory, the judges said Maggi had motivated student nurses to become a part of the future of Primary Care through their involvement in the clinics and had “given us a reason to clap our hands”.

Accepting her award, Maggi said: “The trust and bond between patient and healthcare provider is as important as ever and I am honoured to be able to offer support for those who need it most.

“This award is a celebration for all Practice Nurses who go above and beyond to care for people in our communities.”

A full list of winners is available on the General Practice Awards website.