A GP who served the people of Bolton for many years has been recognised for his hard work and dedication with a New Year Honours award.

Dr Wirin Bhatiani served as chairman of Bolton Clinical Commissioning Group for nearly a decade before his retirement in 2021.

He will now start 2023 as a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire and has paid tribute to all the professionals he spent years working alongside and to those still out there on the frontline.

Dr Bhatiani said: "I just really want to emphasise that this is a priviledge but it really reflects the work that the whole of the CCG has done over the year.

"The CCG really worked hard to improve the health of the people of Bolton and this reflects the work that they've done, the GPs, hospital staff, the council and people in the voluntary sector."

The Bolton News: Bolton CCG was headquartered at Lever Chambers health centreBolton CCG was headquartered at Lever Chambers health centre (Image: Newsquest)

He added: "The thing that's really at the forefront of my mind now is the whole of the NHS, it's really strained and stretched.

"But its really a previlidge to be honoured in this way."

The New Year Honours list, which for the first time have been awarded under the new King Charles III, are compiled every year as a way of recognising people like Dr Bhatiani who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.

Dr Bhatiani has long been a valued and well recognised figure around Bolton thanks to his 40 years as a GP, including as a senior partner at Peter House Surgery in Westhoughton in more recent years.

He is also well-known for his work as a trustee of Bolton Lads and Girls Club and of Bolton Hospice.

But the peak of Dr Bhatiani's career came when he served as chairman of Bolton CCG after its formation in 2012.

The group replaced the old system of primary care trusts and was responsible for commissioning hospital and community care services for people all across Bolton.

Fiona Noden, Bolton's lead for health and care integration at NHS Greater Manchester Intergrated Care has been one of many fellow health care professionals to have paid tribute.

She said: “A massive congratulations to Wirin for receiving the British Empire Medal.

“Wirin has made such an incredible difference for people throughout Bolton during so many years and this recognition is so well deserved.”

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Dr Bhatiani's work, particularly during the pandemic, has earned him congratulations from leaders right at the top of the health service.

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard said: “As the NHS heads into its 75th year, I am delighted to see the fantastic work of so many of my excellent health service colleagues reflected again in this year’s honours, including many for their work during the pandemic and the Covid-19 vaccination programme.

“I want to congratulate all those receiving recognition today for their fantastic efforts."