TWO Bolton doctors have been recognised nationally for their work caring for people in the community.

From looking after bereaved parents to supporting the most vulnerable, the daily work of the GPs has not gone unnoticed.

Bolton Medical Centre’s Dr Abdul Hafeez has been given the title of a ‘local hero’ after making it to the top of list of GP community champions.

The Great lever GP has been ranked number six in the national list compiled as part of the PULSE Power 50 National GP award for 2017.

The 44-year-old from Manchester said: “Obviously it is great to be recognised. Every year PULSE make a list with nominations coming in from across the UK which is then reviewed by judges who pick the top 50 in three different categories.

“I want to say I’m surprised at the nomination but we have been doing a lot of extra work at the practice and it is a great for the team. “It is not just something I do, it is a team effort!”

Some of the initiatives the centre has launched include extra work caring for vulnerable patients, such as people at risk of self harm, by creating a register of patients who are monitored closely.

If the patient fails to make an appointment or collect their prescriptions the practice makes sure to contact them as soon as possible to check on their welfare.

It also runs other schemes including an open day to educate the community on the risks of hepatitis and setting up a jogging club led by members of staff.

Dr Hafeez, who has been a GP for seven years, six in Great Lever, also praised the work and support of practice manager Vicky Westwood.

He added: “She has done a lot of the leg work and implementing ideas!”

Dr. Helen Wall, a GP at Crompton Health Centre, has also been nominated nationally her work helping a family through a very difficult time.

The 35-year-old from Bromley Cross is in line to receive a Butterfly Award from the Baby Loss Star support organisation.

Her nomination was from a family who lost their second child to due to placenta percreta, where the placenta grows through the uterus, in 2013, with the mother going through an emergency hysterectomy due to massive blood loss.

They describe her as “one in a million” for the support she gave then throughout.

Dr Wall, who qualified in 2006, said: “The nomination is a bit overwhelming, I just wasn’t expecting it and the response has been lovely. I have been through a lot with the family and for them to take time out to thank me is so nice.”

A vote is running to crown a winner for the health professional award, with votes taken into consideration by a panel of judges. Since being nominated, Dr Wall has received further comments of support and praise for her work.

To find out more and cast a vote visit wwww.babylossstar.co.uk.