Doctor who went ‘above and beyond’ wins award
A DOCTOR who provided an “outstanding level of patient care” has been named Wales’ best GP.
Dr Richard Evans, from Aberystwyth, cared for a patient who had been diagnosed with terminal cancer during the final months of his life.
He was nominated by the patient’s wife, who explained that it was one of her husband’s “final wishes” to complete the nomination to record his “deep appreciation for the exemplary care and support he received”.
The patient’s wife, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “When my husband met this doctor, he knew that his treatment options were running out and this was an exceptionally difficult time for him.
“However, he was always put at ease by the GP, who discussed issues around his illness with great sensitivity, leaving him feeling both comforted and reassured that although the end of his life was approaching he could rely on his doctor for support and care.”
Dr Evans worked with his patient to allow him to retain his independence and make informed decisions.
As a result, her husband “felt listened to and therefore in control of his illness”.
Dr Evans also went above and beyond for his patient and wife, taking the time to visit at weekends and in the evenings “to provide muchneeded support at our darkest and most difficult time”.
In his final days, the patient’s wife said his thoughts centred on the care and support they had received from the doctor and his “sense of gratitude was profound”.
She said that she could not praise the GP highly enough and hoped that he received the recognition that he so richly deserves.
The Royal College of General Practitioners Wales (RCGP) Wales GP of the Year award was presented at Hensol Castle on November 24.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services Vaughan Gething AM, who presented the award to Dr Evans, said: “It is clear that Dr Evans has acted with great sensitivity and compassion in caring for not only his patient, but also the patient’s family at this difficult time.
“Hearing experiences of highquality care from our GPs in Wales is heartening. Day in, day out they are doing an excellent job and I would like to thank them for their hard work and dedication to their profession and patients.
“I would like to offer Dr Evans my sincere congratulations in being named Wales GP of the Year 2017. He deserves this accolade and is a great ambassador for his profession. Llongyfarchiadau.”
Commenting on the award, RCGP Wales chair Dr Rebecca Payne said: “I was deeply moved by the testimony about the high level of care provided by Dr Evans to both his patient and his wife.
“Dr Evans went above and beyond for his patient and saw him as an individual, treating his physical condition but also looking after his emotional wellbeing.”