A TOOTHILL GP has been named as one of the most influential figures in general practice in the country for the third year running.

Dr Peter Swinyard, of Phoenix Surgery, reached 41st in Pulse Magazine’s top 50 power list for his work as an advocate of small practices, after placing 37th in 2013.

He was among more than 600 practitioners nominated for the accolade.

In their comments, judges described the GP as a man determined to ‘fight the corner’ of smaller surgeries in the face of increasing challenges.

“Small or single-handed practices, often in very deprived and rural areas, can rely on Dr Swinyard to fight their corner, our panel said in selecting him for our Top 50,” the judges said.

“He talks sensibly, cares for patients and is never afraid of criticising the Department of Health,” was one view.

“With scores of practices facing closure under increasing financial strain, many will be glad he is on their side.”

Dr Swinyard’s medical training began at St Thomas’ Hospital in London in 1974. He gained further training and experience in locations as diverse as Welwyn Garden City and Colchester.

He arrived in Swindon on January 31, 1985, began practising as a GP the following day and has been in the town ever since.

The honour was warmly welcomed by the 58-year-old, who just two weeks ago met the Health Secretary to discuss the pressures facing GP practices, including crippling staff shortages and never-ending paperwork, across the country.

“It was a pleasure to see myself on the list again,” he said.

“It was a slight surprise as I have been out of action since my wife passed away.

“It’s very nice to be recognised by my peers and I consider it a great privilege.

“I’m the chairman of the Family Doctors Association and it shows that the voice of tradition with a modern focus is still being heard in the corridors of power.”

This sign of peer recognition has not distracted him from his continued fight to set general practice – especially those weighed down by bureaucracy and what he described as unrealistic targets – on a more sustainable path.

“Our GP practices are under pressure like never before,” he added.

“You can see it in Swindon, with practices not being able to recruit and having to close several days a week.

“All of these pressures mean that the service to patients is very hard to maintain. Morale in general practice has never been lower.

“What we are trying to do is influence and speak to those in power to improve the care patients can receive.

“I want to move general practice in the right direction. We need a drastic turnaround. It’s urgent.”

A Swindon NHS Clinical Commissioning Group spokesman said: “Dr Peter Crouch, clinical chair of Swindon Clinical Commiss-ioning Group, congratulated Dr Swinyard on receiving recognition for his achievement, recognising the good work he does representing the profession.”