A BRADFORD medical practice which was rated outstanding earlier this year has won another top award - alongside a key member of staff.

Tong Medical Centre was given the highest rating in June under the Care Quality Commission's new inspection regime.

The achievement was seen as particularly impressive given the challenges facing the areas the surgery covers, including Holme Wood and Tong.

Its latest award is Practice of the Year which staff members received a local NHS awards ceremony.

The awards by NHS Bradford City and NHS Bradford Districts clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) recognised and celebrated the achievements of NHS staff, GP practice members, volunteers and partners.

Practice volunteer of the year awards went to Asmat Naheed, of Bevan Healthcare, Bradford city, and Pauline Bulmer, of Horton Park Medical Practice.

Practice patient group of the year awards were given to Primrose Surgery and Wilsden Medical Centre.

The practice staff member of the year for the city area was Shamraz Akhtar, Dr Imtiaz & Partners, Horton Grange Medical Centre.

The joint winners of the practice staff member award for the district areas were Judith Patten of Tong Medical Centre and Jeanette Armistead, of Rockwell & Wrose Practice.

Patient engagement lead of the year award was given to Kathryn Higgins, who works across four practices: Bilton, Frizinghall, Kensington Street (Dr Iqbal & Partners) and Picton Medical Centre.

Community partner of the year awards were given to Liz Firth, of Bradford maternity services liaison committee, and Healthy Lifestyles Solutions .

Health chiefs said the awards made people feel "uplifted".

Max Mclean, lay member for patient and public involvement at Bradford City Clinical Commissioning Group, said: "This was our first awards ceremony and we wanted to thank people who quietly get on and help those around them make a difference - whether by being a volunteer, promoting good causes and better health in GP practices or an all-round community champion.

"Everyone who won awards seemed really pleased. It motivates people to be recognised with an award and makes them feel uplifted to be part of the good that’s being done to improve people’s health and wellbeing in Bradford."

Dr Andy Withers, clinical chairman of Bradford Districts Clinical Commissioning Group, said the awards recognised those who went the "extra mile".

"The awards are a key part of our commitment to celebrating the success of individuals and teams, and recognising best practice across the CCG.

"We know that there are many staff, patients and volunteers who go the extra mile, have done something extraordinary, perhaps come up with innovative ideas or simply make people feel part of their local health services."