A COUNTY GP surgery’s role in providing a social group in memory of a former colleague has led to an awards nomination.
Cornhill Surgery in New Road, Rubery, has been nominated for the GP Practice of the Year category at the Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards 2026.
Dr Mark Fernell, a popular partner at the practice, died in 2005 and has been remembered with the ongoing initiative which helps to “support patients beyond the consulting room”.
The team from Cornhill Surgery at their Christmas party (Image: Cornhill Surgery)
MORE: How to nominate
The nomination read: “In 2014, Dr (Diler) Ahmed of Cornhill Surgery decided he wanted to do something in order to commemorate the life of the previous senior partner who had died of a brain tumour but was loved and admired by all patients.
“Dr Ahmed found a nearby church which rented out rooms and, with a patient who was prepared to run it, the Dr Fernell memorial was born.
“It is still running today, funded by Cornhill Surgery, and welcomes new ladies or gentlemen to the Beacon Church, Whetty Lane, Rubery, on Wednesdays from 1pm to 3.30pm for a chat, tea and biscuits and other activities often arranged which help encourage those that otherwise may not have too many independent social gatherings.
“It is a friendly group and welcomes all newcomers.
“Although members pay a small contribution each month towards refreshments, the cost of renting the room each week is fully funded by the surgery.
“They also promote the group to patients who they feel may benefit from joining.
“The group is open to anyone wanting to attend, not just patients of Cornhill, and is greatly appreciated by those running it and attending.”
Surgery practice manager Joanne Meadows said: “We’re very grateful to be nominated for GP Practice of the Year.
“This recognition means a great deal to our whole team who work hard every day to support our patients, not just clinically but also in their wider wellbeing.
“Initiatives like the Dr Fernell senior citizen group reflect our commitment to tackling social isolation and building a stronger, more connected community.
“We’re proud to play a small part in supporting our patients beyond the consulting room.”
This year’s county awards have been launched by Newsquest which runs the Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Bromsgrove & Droitwich Advertiser, Kidderminster Shuttle and Redditch Advertiser.
There will be a black-tie dinner for all the finalists at the Bank House Hotel in Bransford on Thursday, September 3.
Closing date for nominations is Sunday, June 28.
Nominations are especially needed for The Health Care Employer, The Child & Adolescent Health Care, The NHS Hero and The Domiciliary Care Worker or Team accolades plus eight other categories.
They are The NHS Team of the Year, The Palliative/End of Life Award, The Care Home Worker or Team Award, The Good Nurse Award, The Dementia Carer or Team Award, The Mental Health Award, GP Practice of the Year Award and Oral Health Care Professional of the Year.
For more details visit www.worcesternews.co.uk/health-and-social-care-awards.
