GP has finger on the Pulse (From Swindon Advertiser)

GP has finger on the Pulse

8:40am Saturday 22nd September 2012 in News By Matthew Edwards

A TOOTHILL GP has been voted in the top 50 of the most influential doctors in the country by his peers.

Every year Pulse magazine publishes a list of the 50 GPs they consider the most influential and for the second year running Dr Peter Swinyard, who is based at Phoenix Surgery, has been included.

This is the fourth time the list has been published by the niche magazine and it features GPs who are considered the most influential on the profession, the NHS and Government policy.

The list is compiled by a panel of GPs and this year Dr Swin-yard has come in at number 29, 20 places up from his ranking last year.

Dr Swinyard is chairman of the Family Doctor Association and it is for his work with the charity that he has been recognised.

The magazine says that he “continues to champion the cause of small practices in his role as chair of the Family Doctor Association, a group that has gained prominence – and attracted more members – this year”.

Dr Swinyard said: “Last year I was voted 49th so this year I am up 20 places.

“The idea is they vote for the 50 most influential GPs and I assume I have been voted for my role with the Family Doctor Association.

“It is really a compliment to the organisation rather than myself but it is always nice, especially because they are voted for by other senior GPs.”

The Family Doctor Association, an educational charity, has represented grass roots GPs nationally and locally for more than 25 years.

The FDA represents and supports those GPs who offer their patients the benefits of continuity of care.

GP practices which are members aim to provide high quality medical care while maintaining the traditional personal care of the family doctor in a friendly environment promoting health by education and preventative measures.

For more information about the charity visit www.family-doctor.org.uk.