Distinguished and highly regarded General Practitioner, Dr Salman Shahid, hailing from Greater Manchester, has been honored with the coveted designation of Local NHS Champion by none other than the Health Secretary.
Dr Shahid, an eminent GP practicing in the Rochdale Borough’s Middleton region, as well as the Associate Medical Director of the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Integrated Care Partnership, was bestowed this distinguished accolade by Steve Barclay MP, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in an exclusive event held at 10 Downing Street just last week.
The commendation to recognise the remarkable contributions of Dr Shahid came forth from Chris Clarkson, the Member of Parliament representing Heywood and Middleton, who has closely collaborated with Dr Shahid on numerous ventures within the locality. Mr Clarkson was so profoundly impressed by the outstanding work carried out by Dr Shahid that he earnestly sought to bring his accomplishments to the forefront at the parliamentary level.
During the announcement of this special recognition, Health Secretary Steve Barclay remarked, “The National Health Service has undergone considerable transformation over the past 75 years. Today, patients face a significantly reduced 80% risk of succumbing to cardiovascular disease compared to 1948. Back then, the NHS comprised 144,000 personnel, whereas now it stands at an astounding 1.4 million. In 1948, the budget allocated was £11 billion, whereas today it exceeds £180 billion. Nevertheless, amidst these changes, two elements remain unaltered: the phenomenal workforce tirelessly providing top-notch care to patients, and the fact that healthcare is accessible to all without financial burden. These principles are the essence of today’s celebration.”
Dr Salman Shahid, a GP in Middleton renowned for his proactive advocacy of integrated health and social care, along with his dedicated team, has actively collaborated with community and voluntary services at the grassroots level to address the challenges posed by poverty, isolation, loneliness, and deprivation.
Expressing his delight, Dr Shahid stated, “This esteemed recognition is an incredible honor, and I am immensely grateful to Mr. Clarkson and the government. However, I attribute this recognition entirely to the collective efforts and unwavering determination of our dedicated team in Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale, who strive tirelessly to create a better community for each and every individual.”
