On Wednesday 26th March 2025, Lincolnshire ICB and the Primary Care People Group hosted a Valuing and Recognition Event. It was held at the Lincolnshire Showground to celebrate the hard work of staff across the four pillars of Primary Care: General Practice, Community Pharmacy, Dentistry, and Optometry.
Talks and teamwork
The day began with a keynote speech by Michael McGrath MBE. He spoke about team cohesion, kindness, and positivity. He also shared honest stories about his personal challenges and achievements.
Leaders from each pillar gave service updates. They shared success stories and acknowledged ongoing issues. A clear theme emerged – collaboration is growing. Services like Pharmacy First show how integration is working.
Workshops and voices
Attendees were able to choose between two breakout workshops on the People Promise values – ‘We Are Safe and Healthy’ and ‘We Are Compassionate and Inclusive’. The former workshop focussed on staff health and wellbeing strategies and the latter introduced a staff panel, sharing their workplace experiences, sometimes as advocates for underrepresented and marginalised communities.
Over 200 people from across Primary Care attended. This included award nominees for individual, team, and long service categories. Kay Keane, Director of the Institute of General Practice Management, hosted the event.
See the full list of winners and photos here: Primary Care Valuing and Recognition Event – Lincolnshire Training Hub
Afternoon tea and atmosphere
As part of the celebrations, a delicious afternoon tea was served which included scones and clotted cream, and tea served in china cups and saucers.
During the event, the general ‘buzz’ and air of positivity was palpable as captured in the feedback from staff below:
‘Being rewarded for doing a job I love’.
‘Meeting all those lovely people and listening to the speaker’s individual journeys.’
‘Learning about other health sectors that I would not normally come into contact with or think about sufficiently (optometry and dentistry).’
‘A feeling of inclusivity in a room with people from across all sorts of professions, working in different roles.’
‘I thought the event was fantastic and a great opportunity to celebrate Primary Care within Lincolnshire. It was lovely to hear success stories from other Practices, Pharmacies, Dentists and Opticians. The speakers were also very good and gave a really good insight into Primary Care as a whole.’
‘Sounds sad, but actually having time to sit with other members of the nursing team for an afternoon, rather than passing fleetingly in the corridor!’
‘I think Lincolnshire is a very special place and I wish there was replication of the togetherness and consideration that I saw yesterday across Primary Care.’
‘I’m proud of what we achieved today and grateful to be working alongside such a dedicated and capable team. Thank you again for everything you did to make it such a positive and memorable afternoon.’
‘Thank you so much for the invitation to take part in yesterday’s event, it was truly motivating, inspirational and there was an atmosphere of togetherness that resonated with me.’
