A WIRRAL medic has been named nurse of the year for her work improving patient access to care and commitment to training others.

Philomena Potts, of Miriam Primary Care Group, was given the prestigious 2013 title at the General Practice awards.

The nurse, who has worked for the group for 11 years, has led the development of four minor injury services on Wirral as well as improving patient services at Birkenhead’s Miriam Medical Centre and Wallasey’s Seabank Medical Centre.

Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group said the new services treated more than 17,000 patients last year.

Judges also commended Ms Potts for her work to train other nurses to take advanced roles.

“I feel extremely honoured to have been both nominated and then won the General Practice Award for Nurse of the Year,” said Ms Potts.

“It is great recognition for the hard work of the entire team at Miriam Medical Practice and is a huge celebration for all of us.”

Dr Abhi Mantgani, senior partner of Miriam Group and chief clinical officer at NHS Wirral CCG, said: “I would like to congratulate Philomena for this achievement and thank her and the team for their commitment, hard work and can do attitude to improve services for people of Wirral.

“Philomena fully deserves the recognition she is receiving and it provides a boost to the team to continue to meet new challenges.”