Tavistock surgery finds local way to reward staff

A GP practice in Tavistock has shown its appreciation for its staff by giving gift cards which can be used at businesses in the town.

Tavyside Health Centre said the cards, which are part of the Tavistock Gift Card scheme, were well deserved by staff (pictured right) for their hard work throughout the pandemic.

Practice manager Sarah Evans said: “When we think of the impact of the pandemic on the NHS, we tend to think of secondary care such as hospitals, but the past 18 months has been incredibly busy for primary care services too, such as GP practices, who are the front line for patients.

“The team at Tavyside Health Centre have worked so hard throughout, responding and adapting to changes as required. We didn’t have a Christmas party and instead planned a social event for July, 2021. When the time came, we realised it wasn’t to be and, as the partners at the practice wanted to reward staff, we considered the best way of doing that.

“Vouchers are best for tax purposes but we wanted to support local too, so came up with the idea of giving staff the Tavistock Gift Card, which can be spent with multiple businesses in Tavistock. It’s a secure way to reward staff that supports the area. Most of the team live and work in Tavistock, or they at least come here to shop.

“They are also very loyal to the place where they live. I imagine staff will use their gift card in different ways. It gives them lots of options as there are lots of great traders in Tavistock. Using our local gift card as a reward for our staff is one way that we can give back to our local businesses.”