Doctors’ practice makes perfect for happy patients

Doctors Ian Whitley (left) and John Kelso pictured with surgery staff

STAFF at the Leesbrook Surgery have received a double nomination for a Pride in Oldham Award.

The hardworking team, based in Mellor Street, Lees, comprises five doctors, eight office and reception staff, a business manager, two practice nurses and a healthcare assistant.

Now a pair of patients have put pen to paper and nominated them for the work they do.

Ada Wilcock (77), from Salem, has been a patient at the surgery for 14 years and said she cannot fault the service she receives.

She said: “The kindness and helpfulness these people show is wonderful.

“After my husband Alan died in August, I wasn’t feeling too well but Sharon, the health worker, came out to me and sent for the doctor.

“They do go that extra mile and it’s lovely to have such dedicated staff.”

Fellow patient Mushtaq Raja was full of praise for the nurses on the team and said they made patients feel they were in safe hands.

Dr Ian Whitley (47), who has been at the surgery for 17 years, said: “We’ve never been nominated as a team before but it is a great feeling that our patients can take the time to nominate us.

“We certainly get good feedback from questionnaires from the local Health Authority, including one where our reception staff were rated as 100 per cent helpful.

“We try to accommodate patients as best we can and listen to their suggestions.

“Having a great patient group makes our jobs a lot easier.”