STAFF working in GP practices across south Essex have been recognised for their outstanding work, care, innovation and services.

With awards across six different categories, a variety of nominations were received, acknowledging people working in primary care.

The Echo supported the awards and the people’s choice category, which saw awards given to Carol Johnson, an invaluable member of the Queensway Surgery, Southend and Julie Borton from Oaklands Surgery, Canvey.

In Castle Point and Rochford, the partnership award went to Dr Chaudhury’s Practice, The Island Surgery, Oaklands Surgery and Third Avenue Surgery. In Southend, the frailty team at the Pall Mall Surgery scooped the award.

Dr Jagdish Chavda, of the Third Avenue Surgery on Canvey, claimed the leadership award for Castle Point and Rochford, while Ellie White at the Pall Mall surgery won in Southend.

For innovation and technology, Kim Brewer at Canvey’s Third Avenue Surgery, and Debbie Johnson at Southend’s The Valkyrie Surgery came top.

Heather Cannon at the High Road Family Doctors in Benfleet and Christine Lloyd at Southend’s Central Surgery earned public engagement awards. The unsung hero titles went to Lucy Price at Rayleigh’s Audley Mills Surgery, and Dr Habib Zaidi, of Eastwood Group Practice.