Somerton House GP highlighted as inspirational female colleague for International Women's Day

Some of the most inspiring females working in GP practices across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire have been praised by their awestruck colleagues ahead of this year's International Women's Day.

Staff working in all corners of the region had been asked to nominate the outstanding women from their practices who have continuously gone above and beyond for patients and colleagues alike.

Among the nominees was Dr Kate Fallon, GP and Senior Partner at Somerton House Surgery in Midsomer Norton.

Colleagues of Dr Fallon described her as a true grass-roots GP, who works tirelessly for the practice and its patients, while championing the needs of those more vulnerable.

Special mention was given to Kate's unrivalled hands-on approach, which has seen her getting involved with everything from shovelling snow in the practice car park to mentoring up and coming medical students.

Dr Ruth Grabham, Medical Director, said: "Women play a crucial role in health and care, and it's hugely important for me that their enormous contributions are celebrated as part of this landmark day.

"Over time, their roles have evolved to such an extent that women now occupy more senior positions than ever before, which is an achievement I hope will be of huge inspiration to the next generation of budding female professionals.

"It has been a tremendous joy to read stories like those of Dr Fallon, whose overwhelming desire to do right by both colleagues and patients is truly what makes the NHS the envy of the world."

Donna Pais, Practice Manager at Old School Surgery in Great Bedwyn, near Marlborough, was another primary care stalwart to be singled out as an inspiring female figure.

With a passion for helping the local community, Donna has been known to personally deliver medication to the homes of vulnerable patients, and has since become an invaluable source of support and information for all local residents.

Elsewhere, Dr Gita Sunthankar, a GP at St Augustine's Medical Practice in Keynsham, received a glowing testimonial from colleagues who described her as "an amazing role model" with an "approachable and kind demeanour."

Her open-door policy and ultra-attentive nature have been a resounding hit with local patients, many of whom have been left speechless by Dr Sunthankar's willingness to offer home visits and appointments during evenings and weekends.