A local GP practice has awarded nine current partners or members of staff with Long Service Awards.
The awards were given by the Frome Medical Practice to those who had served 20, 25 and 30 years’ service. The nine who were honoured have been working at the practice for a combined total of 243 years.
The awards went to GPs and partners Dr Helen Kingston (25 years) and Dr Tom Cahill (22 years). Dr Kingston is also the senior partner at the practice. Additionally, awards went to nurse practitioner Rosie Sandquest (25 years), practice nurse Lucilla Bevan (also 25 years) as well as health care assistant, Vic Collinson, who has served 22 years.
From the practice’s administrative team, awards went to Wendy Ridge (23 years), Donna Perry (20 years) and Sarah Mould (26 years). Sarah actually joined the practice on what was then the YTS scheme and as a trainee worked her way up from receptionist and medical secretary, to her current post as medical secretary. Sarah believes that the core ethos of the practice, responsibility, sustainability and learning have not changed since she joined all those years ago. She is also extremely grateful for the encouragement and support the practice has given her throughout her career.
“Everyone at the practice has always been extremely helpful and supportive of me,” says Sarah. ‘There has always been a sense of togetherness at the practice which is incredible when you think that FMP is now one of the largest practices in the UK. A great deal has changed since I joined in 1992, including the building where we now work, but a great deal has also remained the same. The best interests of the patients still remains at the heart of everything.”
The longest-serving person at the practice is however Dr Tina Merry, GP and former senior partner.
“When I visited the practice for the first time for an antenatal appointment back in 1987, little did I think nearly 32 years later I would still be here!” explains Dr Merry. “I have been very fortunate to work with such an amazing group of dedicated people in such a forward thinking practice. I feel very proud of all that we have achieved in Frome over those years and plan to keep working in the practice for a few more years yet.”
Above: Dr Tina Merry.
