A KEIGHLEY GP surgery has received another award for its innovative work.

Holycroft has won recognition for its part in the Airedale Wharfedale and Craven (AWC) complex care service.

Dr Nick Bird, from the surgery, helped design and lead the new healthcare provision service.

The multi-agency initiative aims to improve holistic care for individuals with complex and multiple needs.

In its first year, 240 patients have been through the scheme, reducing A&E attendances and nursing home admissions.

An estimated £660,000 has been saved.

But Dr Bird said most importantly, patients' quality of life had improved.

"I was very interested when I heard there was funding to redesign service provision in AWC – particularly in a joined-up health and social care model that recognised how important social and psychological needs are to people who live with multiple health conditions," he added.

"We are showing that empowering individuals to improve their whole life – and supporting their mental wellbeing – can make a greater difference than medicines or operations."

The complex care team's work earned it the Out of Hospital Team of the Year honour at the Pride of Airedale Awards.

Ken Hargreaves, a member of Holycroft surgery's patient participation group, said he was delighted at the award – the latest in a series for the practice.

"In the past we collaborated with Leeds University School of Medicine to research social prescribing for patients with diabetes – for which we won an award – and we gained a customer service award in recognition of our attention to detail in the service for patients," he added.

The complex care service has been commissioned for a further two years.