Thistlemoor Medical Centre Wins Prestigious NHS Health Equalities Award

On 14th October, Thistlemoor Medical Centre was honoured to receive the Health Equalities Award at the NHS Parliamentary Awards, presented by Health Secretary Wes Streeting MP. The accolade recognises the centre’s innovative Population Health Management project, a pioneering initiative that has significantly reduced frequent GP attendance through a patient-centred, data-driven approach in the Peterborough community.

The project was developed with the aim of addressing health inequalities by identifying patients who were high users of health and social services and understanding the broader social determinants influencing their health. By working collaboratively with local partners and employing tailored analytics, the centre empowered patients to manage their health and wellbeing more effectively. As a result, GP appointments among the targeted group decreased by 75%, and emergency department attendance fell by 30%.

Dr Neil Modha, a GP at Thistlemoor Medical Centre, expressed his pride in the project’s impact: “This is tremendous news, and we are delighted to have won the regional award for improving health inequalities. We hope projects like this shine a light on the importance of listening to people and supporting them in ways that make a true difference. Our GP trainees have gained valuable insight into the wider determinants of health and how these factors influence the way people engage with NHS services.”

The award is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the entire Thistlemoor Medical Centre team, particularly Gina Goubran, who led the Population Health Management project. Their collaborative efforts with partners in the local health system, council, and voluntary sector have been instrumental in the programme’s success.

The ceremony was attended by key figures in the NHS, including NHS England Chair Richard Meddings, who expressed a keen interest in the innovation taking place at Thistlemoor. Andrew Pakes MP, who nominated the centre for the award, also played a crucial role in highlighting the importance of this initiative on a national stage.

The recognition at the NHS Parliamentary Awards is not just an achievement for Thistlemoor Medical Centre but a milestone for healthcare innovation in Peterborough. The centre remains committed to improving healthcare accessibility and outcomes for its community and hopes that this project will inspire similar initiatives across the NHS.