RCGPNI announces winners of the Practice of the Year 2026

THE Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGPNI) is delighted to announce Mourne Family Practice and Smithfield Medical Centre as the joint winners of its Practice of the Year Awards 2026.

The annual awards recognise the exceptional care and commitment that GP practice teams provide to their local communities. Patient-nominated and judged by the RCGPNI Patient Network, the awards received a record number of more than 150 nominations this year from across Northern Ireland. The nominations highlight the vital role GP practices play in patients’ lives and the dedication of teams working to deliver high-quality care despite significant pressures on general practice.

Dr Laurence Dorman, GP Partner of Mourne Family Surgery, joint winner of the Practice of the Year Award, said, ““The entire team in Mourne Family Surgery are thrilled to have been

nominated by their patients as the 2026 winners of RCGPNI Practice of the Year.” “Since it’s foundation in 1997 by Dr Alan Poots, Mourne Family Surgery has worked as a tightly linked team where every team member works together to ensure the highest standard of patient care.”

“This ethos has continued to today, where all our staff work tirelessly together to ensure our patients have the best access and care in their community.”

He continued, “With the busy winter period arriving, this award has been a terrific boost to the morale of all the staff in Mourne Family Surgery. It validates our care and work and is gratefully appreciated by everyone in the team.”

Roisin Lemon, Practice Manager from Smithfield Medical Centre, joint winner of the award, said, “We are delighted to receive this award and would like to thank our amazing team for

their dedication and hard work.”

“It is particularly gratifying to receive this award at a time when Primary Care remains under significant pressure. It has provided a welcome boost to all the Practice Team.”

She added, “A special thank you to our patients for taking time out to nominate us.”

Dr Ursula Mason, Chair RCGPNI, who presented the awards to each of the practices reflected on the hard work and effort of colleagues in GP practices across Northern Ireland

“It has been heartening and inspiring to read the nominations from patients describing the difference that practice teams are making across Northern Ireland. The record number of

nominations this year reflects the significant impact GP practices have on the lives of their patients and the communities they serve.”

“I would like to congratulate all the practices nominated for this year’s awards, and in particular our very worthy joint winners, Mourne Family Surgery and Smithfield Medical Centre.”

John Diver, Chair of the Patient Network, which judged the nominations for the awards added

his own congratulations to this year’s winners, “As Chair of the RCGPNI Patient Network, it is my great pleasure to present the 2026 RCGPNI Practice of the Year Award”

“This award is especially meaningful because it is nominated by patients. It reflects the experiences of those who have witnessed first-hand the care, compassion, and professionalism

of GP practice teams across Northern Ireland.”

“This year’s nominations spoke powerfully of trusted relationships, clinical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to patient care.”

“On behalf of the RCGPNI Patient Network, I want to congratulate our winners and express my sincere thanks to all GP practices whose dedication supports the lives of patients and

communities every day.”