GP practices in North Wiltshire that are providing the best support to unpaid carers have been recognised in the Wiltshire Investors in Carers GP Accreditation Scheme.

The awards recognise and celebrate those Wiltshire GP practices who have met a number of requirements, including maintaining an up-to-date carer register, having a carers’ lead and providing clear information and flexible appointments for carers.

This year, the highest number of GP surgeries yet received awards - 46 in total. 30 of these were given the highest possible award of Platinum, up from 28 last year.

Malmesbury Primary Care Centre and Cricklade Surgery were both awarded Platinum, whilst the Tolsey Surgery in Sherston was awarded Gold Plus.

Tracey Cox, chief executive, Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group, said: “A lot is often said about the immense value of carers and, while it’s impossible to quantify just how important they are, we know that carers nationwide are able to save the country’s economy more than £130 billion each year showing their immeasurable worth.

“It is so important to identify carers in our community and to provide them with the right support and help that they need.

"I am pleased that so many more GP practices across Wiltshire are providing this support and being recognised for their efforts through this great Accreditation Scheme.”

This is the eighth year that Carer Support Wiltshire has coordinated the awards.

The awards are funded by Wiltshire Council and the NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

In previous years the awards were handed out in person as part of an awards ceremony.

This year’s awards were given virtually and videos of the practices receiving their certificates are being shared this week on social media at #GPCarerAwards and on the Carer Support Wiltshire website.