A CO DOWN doctor singled out by a patient for his "compassion" after she suffered multiple miscarriages has received the GP of the Year award.
Dr Jonathan Dillon, based at Banbridge Medical Practice, was recognised for his work by The Royal College of General Practitioners in Northern Ireland.
The body represents more than 1,500 GPs across the north.
Nominations were made by patients in recognition of family doctors and their teams who went "above and beyond" during the pandemic.
A woman who selected Dr Dillion spoke of the difference he made during a traumatic period in her life.
She described him as a "humble, approachable, compassionate, caring and a thorough doctor".
"When I suffered my first miscarriage, it was a devastating, heart-breaking and traumatic experience, only to be made worse by having to endure years of further miscarriages," she said.
"Dr Dillon provided outstanding care to me during this time, he kept me informed, consulted, hopeful, reassured, healthy and more importantly he supported me, as I navigated my loss, pain and decisions. He will never know how significant his support helped me to achieve my lifelong dream of being a mother. I am now a proud mother..."
Dr Dillon thanked those patients who nominated him and said he was humbled to receive the accolade, adding it was recognition for his practice team.
Saying with "so many barriers" (due to pandemic) "that it can feel like you are never making a difference" ...he added:"It really makes the long hours and difficult work worthwhile to know that your patients genuinely appreciate and value the care you provide."
He also thanked his wife and three children for "their support, particularly over the last year of long hours. I could not have done it without them."
