Barnstaple doctor is 'the best'

CONSULTANT paediatrician Alan Bosley from Barnstaple, has been named as a winner in the prestigious national WellChild Children's Health Awards 2008. He was picked from record numbers of nominations to win the category of Best Doctor by an esteemed pan

CONSULTANT paediatrician Alan Bosley from Barnstaple, has been named as a winner in the prestigious national WellChild Children's Health Awards 2008. He was picked from record numbers of nominations to win the category of Best Doctor by an esteemed panel of judges put together by WellChild - the national charity for sick children -consisting of members of parliament and health professionals.Ten-year-old George Hawkins has recently overcome Leukaemia for the second time and has been treated by Dr Bosley since he was four. He believes that it is the trust, friendly approach and loyalty not just to the patient but the whole family, which cause Dr Bosley to stand out as an excellent doctor. "He is the only person I totally trust in hospital," said George, who is so nervous of blood tests that he will only allow Dr Bosley to administer them. "To make a sick child feel so secure and relaxed must be a special gift, and George is one of thousands," WellChild Award nominator and colleague, Jenny Birch.Dr Bosley, who is due to retire later this year, has been looking after children with specialist care for more than 30 years. He was nominated to receive this award by three separate individuals from different areas of his work as they all consider him to be a truly remarkable man. Jenny, a nursing colleague believes that one of the reasons Dr Bosley is so unique is his dedication to his work and the respect that he gains from all who work with him, from the consultants to the porters. Dr Bosley will receive his Award when he attends the Fourth Annual WellChild Awards ceremony on Monday at Lord's Cricket Ground in London - an event which saw WellChild Royal Patron Prince Harry attend as the guest of honour last year.At the Awards ceremony, Dr Bosley will join the winners of all the other categories together with the many WellChild celebrity supporters who attend each year to celebrate the courage of brave children and honour the dedicated work of the country's health professionals. Kedge Martin, CEO of WellChild explained: "Over the past four years we have come across thousands of incredible nominations in all categories of the WellChild Awards - with amazing stories of bravery and moving accounts of care and support."These Awards really are about celebrating the strength which is shown by so many children and young people, and the excellence demonstrated by those people who care for them. The Awards are a perfect demonstration of WellChild's commitment to helping as many children as we can as they deal with the consequences of serious illness or complex conditions."In addition to Prince Harry, who has been invited to attend once again this year, previous WellChild Award evenings have been attended by boy band Westlife, rock legend Rod Steward with his wife Penny Lancaster Stewart, BBC presenters Dick and Dom, football legends John Barnes and Peter Schmeichel, Dragons Den stars Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan, and many more.