County Antrim’s Dr Louise Beck honoured as Northern Ireland’s GP of the Year 2025

Northern Ireland’s GP of the Year 2025, Dr Louise Beck

Dr Louise Beck, a dedicated general practitioner from Victoria Surgery in Larne, County Antrim, has been named Northern Ireland’s GP of the Year 2025 by the Royal College of General Practitioners Northern Ireland (RCGPNI).

The prestigious patient-nominated award, judged by the RCGPNI Patient Network, celebrates Dr Beck’s exceptional commitment to her patients and community, shining a spotlight on her compassionate and professional care.

Alongside her, University Street Surgery in South Belfast was recognised as Practice of the Year, highlighting the outstanding contributions of general practice teams across the region.

The RCGPNI’s annual GP and Practice of the Year awards, driven by nominations from patients across Northern Ireland, reflect the profound impact of primary care professionals despite significant challenges in the sector.

This year’s awards saw a substantial number of submissions, with Dr Beck’s recognition underscoring her remarkable dedication to patient care in Larne.

A humbling honour for Dr Louise Beck

Dr Beck, whose work at Victoria Surgery has earned her widespread admiration, expressed deep gratitude for the recognition.

“I am delighted and honoured to have won this award. It is profoundly humbling to know that my patients took the time to nominate me, and I am grateful to them for doing so,” she said.

Acknowledging the pressures facing general practice, Dr Beck praised her team’s resilience and commitment.

“I want to thank all the staff at Victoria Surgery for their continued hard work. General Practice continues to face many challenges, but despite this, the team at Victoria Surgery remains committed to providing the best service that we can. It is heartening to know that my patients appreciate and value the care I provide,” she added.

Her recognition highlights not only her individual efforts but also the collaborative spirit of the Victoria Surgery team, who have worked tirelessly to maintain high standards of care in County Antrim.

University Street Surgery: Excellence in South Belfast

The dedicated team from University Street Surgery in South Belfast

In addition to Dr Beck’s achievement, University Street Surgery in South Belfast was named Practice of the Year 2025, recognising the team’s outstanding service to their community.

Sarah Taggart, Practice Manager at the surgery, shared her pride in the accolade:

“We are overjoyed to win this prestigious award. It really means a great deal to the team that patients have gone out of their way to nominate us. The team here at University Street Surgery are amazing, they all go above and beyond to provide outstanding care for all the patients, and I’m very proud of the team.

“With the pressures in primary care at the moment, winning this award has created a much-needed boost to the team.”

The award reflects the surgery’s dedication to delivering exceptional, patient-centred care, even amidst the mounting pressures on primary care services across Northern Ireland.

Recognising resilience in General Practice

Presenting the awards, Dr Ursula Mason, Chair of RCGPNI, commended the tireless efforts of GPs and practice teams across the region.

“It has been another year of inspiring nominations from patients about the difference their GPs and practice teams are making, and I want to say a huge congratulations to all GPs and practices nominated, but in particular our very worthy winners,” she said.

The judging process, overseen by the RCGPNI Patient Network, highlighted the exceptional qualities of nominees. John Diver, Chair of the Patient Network, noted:

“We are delighted to have received so many nominations for our annual GP and GP Practice of the Year awards. The review panel noted recurring themes across these nominations, with nominees consistently described as professional, compassionate, empathetic, accessible, committed to exceptional patient care and community-centred delivery.”

The awards underscore the vital role of general practice in Northern Ireland, particularly in the face of ongoing challenges such as workforce shortages and increasing patient demand. Dr Beck and University Street Surgery exemplify the compassion and resilience that define the sector.

Gratitude to patients and professionals

The RCGPNI expressed heartfelt thanks to all patients who submitted nominations and to the healthcare professionals who continue to provide outstanding care.

“After a careful consideration process, the RCGPNI Patient Network was proud to recognise the efforts of the 2025 winners. We’d like to send a heartfelt thank you to everyone who submitted nominations and to all our dedicated healthcare professionals for their outstanding service. Your commitment makes a real difference in the lives of patients and communities,” said John Diver.

Dr Louise Beck’s recognition as GP of the Year 2025 places a spotlight on County Antrim’s contribution to Northern Ireland’s healthcare landscape.

Together with University Street Surgery, her award celebrates the dedication, empathy, and professionalism that continue to make a profound difference in communities across the region.