HEALTH experts from Leigh are among the last three in Britain's top doctor awards.

Practice manager Renee Cadman and her support team's vision for the future has led to Grasmere Street Health Centre being shortlisted for the finals of Doctor Awards 2000.

A £5,000 prize awaits the winner in the Practice Manager and Medical Protection Society Primary Care Award categories.

The success of the Grasmere Street surgery has emerged from combining reception and support staff of five single-handed GP practices to work together as a team across traditional boundaries. Directed by practice manager Renee Cadman, each GP retains independence while support staff share the workload, resulting in patients benefiting from better service and care.

An award judge commented: "This is truly a vision for the future. What a joy if all primary care innovations could be achieved with the same common sense and pragmatic approach."

The winner will be announced next Tuesday in London.