General Practice Colleagues Celebrated at Annual Conference and Awards
General Practice Nurses (GPNs), Advanced Clinical Practitioners (ACPs) and primary care colleagues from across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin came together in May to celebrate excellence, innovation and compassionate care at a local event organised by the Shropshire Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Training Hub, bringing together the General Practice Nursing Conference and Awards.
Building on the inaugural Nursing Awards event in 2025, this year the programme was expanded to include a conference, incorporating a day of clinical learning and professional development alongside an evening awards ceremony recognising the outstanding contributions of professionals working across primary care. The awards provided the celebratory focus of the event, highlighting excellence across the workforce.
Held to mark International Nurses Day, the event combined a day of clinical learning and professional development with an evening awards ceremony recognising the outstanding contributions of professionals working across primary care.
The conference featured dedicated learning streams tailored to different roles, covering topics such as chronic disease management, improving patient outcomes, complex clinical decision-making and advanced practice skills. Attendees also heard from the Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Training Hub on workforce development, clinical supervision and career progression opportunities within primary care.
The evening awards celebrated individuals and teams who have gone above and beyond in delivering high-quality patient care. Award winners included:
- Rising Star Award – Kobe Ofori (GPN) and Rebecca Jones (HCA)
- Innovation in Care Award – Georgie Eccleston (GPN)
- Patient-Focused Care Award – Jodie McCarthy (GPN)
- Team of the Year – Plas Ffynnon Nursing Team
- Mentor of the Year – Sophie Ludlow-Rhodes (GPN)
- AHP/Pharmacist/Pharmacy Technician of the Year – Sue Walsh, Pharmacy Technician
A special Compassion in Action Award was presented to Healthcare Assistant Amie-Leigh Jones for her exceptional response when she came to the aid of a pregnant woman who had suffered a fall. Amie-Leigh provided immediate first aid, accompanied the patient to hospital and remained with her throughout her care, demonstrating outstanding compassion and professionalism.
The event also recognised long service across the profession, celebrating nurses who have dedicated between 20 and 40 years to general practice nursing. A special standing ovation was given to Susan Sousa in recognition of her remarkable 48 years of service to nursing.
Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer, said: “It was a pleasure to meet so many inspiring professionals whose dedication makes a real difference to patients, communities and colleagues every day. The event highlighted the expertise, innovation and commitment that exists across primary care, while also recognising the invaluable contribution of colleagues who have devoted decades of service to the profession.”
Patsy Clifton, Consultant Nurse and Advanced Practice Facilitator for the Shropshire Telford and Wrekin Training Hub, added: “The awards were a fitting celebration of a workforce at the heart of primary care. It was an opportunity to recognise achievements; share success and highlight the incredible impact these professionals have on patients' lives every day.”
